Most HIV transmission occurs from people who think they are HIV negative, but are living with undiagnosed HIV. This is because when someone is diagnosed, they are offered treatment soon after which reduces the virus to clinically undetectable and untransmittable levels.
This is why testing and knowing your HIV status is important.
If you are sexually active you should test as often as every three months. This is because tests are most accurate three months after exposure to HIV.
If you are not sexually active or in a monogamous relationship, we advise testing once a year.
If you think you might have an STI you should visit a sexual health (GUM) clinic so that you can test and start treatment as soon as possible.
Take action!
Want to test from the comfort of your own home?
Test for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C. Order a free & confidential postal test kit you can complete at home and return for results. Order a testing kit here This service is for men who identify as gay, bisexual, men who have sex with men and Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority heterosexual men and women.
If you identify in another way please order a HIV and Syphilis testing kit available from https://freetesting.hiv/
There are many places to have a HIV test including a full STI screen across Greater Manchester, including GUM clinics and in community settings. See the options in this PaSH Partnership directory.
Emergency Support
Free & confidential sexual health services for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities
Providing advice, support and resources for LGBT people to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing