HIV
What is HIV
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that damages the body's defence system so it cannot fight off certain infections. If HIV progresses untreated, a person can develop AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. There is currently no cure for HIV and no vaccine to prevent infection, though modern antiretroviral treatment allows most people with HIV to stay well for life. Men who have sex with men remain the group most affected in the UK, though rates among heterosexual men and women have risen in recent years.
HIV Symptoms
Some people with HIV symptoms have none at all, while others develop flu-like symptoms a few days or weeks after infection, including fever, rash, swollen glands, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and aching muscles or joints. These are sometimes called sero-conversion symptoms, usually lasting one to two weeks, and are commonly mistaken for flu. Many people are only diagnosed once their immune system has already weakened. An HIV test is the only reliable way to know your status, checking a blood sample for antibodies to the virus. You may be at increased risk if you have had recent unprotected sex with a new partner, if a partner has told you they have HIV, if you have shared injecting equipment, or if you have another STI.
HIV Tests and Testing Process
If you are worried about HIV, seek advice as soon as possible. After infection, your body needs time to produce enough antibodies to show up on a test, which can take between three weeks and three months depending on the test used. This is known as the HIV window period, and it is why an early test is not always the final answer. A test is still often recommended straightaway, with a follow-up test arranged for later if needed. A standard blood sample test gives a confidential result the next day, while a rapid HIV test can give a highly accurate result in ten to twenty minutes. If a result is positive, this is usually confirmed with a repeat test, and your doctor will explain clearly what it means and what happens next. Sunshine Clinic offers confidential HIV testing across the West Midlands, with same-day options and no GP referral needed.
HIV Treatment
There is currently no cure for HIV, but modern antiretroviral treatment, sometimes called combination therapy, allows most people with HIV to live long and healthy lives. These medicines lower the level of HIV in the blood and stop the virus progressing to AIDS, though they can carry side effects and usually need to be taken daily. Antiretroviral treatment also greatly reduces the chance of an HIV positive woman passing the infection to her unborn child. If you test positive at Sunshine Clinic, we explain your result clearly and refer you into specialist HIV treatment and ongoing care, alongside dietitians, counsellors and peer support services where helpful.
HIV Prevention
The best protection against HIV is to always use a male or female condom for anal and vaginal sex, and to cover the penis with a condom for oral sex. Avoid lubricants containing the spermicide Nonoxynol 9, which can damage latex condoms, and avoid oral sex if your mouth or throat has cuts, sores or inflammation. Never share sex toys or drug injecting equipment, and avoid blood transfusions in countries that do not screen donated blood. If you have had a specific recent risk, Post Exposure Prophylaxis can reduce the chance of infection if started promptly.
HIV Complications
Complications can develop if antiretroviral treatment is not effective or not taken as prescribed, allowing opportunistic infections to take hold as the immune system weakens further. This advanced stage is called AIDS. If you are HIV positive and pregnant, your specialist team may advise a Caesarean birth and recommend against breastfeeding to protect your baby.
