STIs   HIV

HIV is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus damages the body's immune system so that it cannot fight certain infections. If someone with HIV goes on to develop certain serious illnesses they then have AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

There is no vaccine against HIV and no cure for HIV or AIDS but there are treatments for many of the other illnesses that those with HIV infection can get. Currently the main ways by which HIV infection is passed on are:

• By having vaginal or anal sex without a condom with someone who has HIV
• By having oral sex
• By using needles, syringes or other drug-injecting equipment that is infected with HIV
• From mother with HIV to her baby during pregnancy, at birth or through breastfeeding HIV test

Confidential HIV tests are carried out free at Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic (see the services directory). No appointment is necessary. The test can also be carried out at your GP's surgery but the result may be entered in your medical records. At the GUM clinic a trained health professional will provide advice and counselling about the test and it's implications. If you consent to the test a small blood sample will be taken from your arm and sent to the laboratory where they will look for antibodies to HIV. Test results will be available in anything from a few hours to a week, depending on which clinic you visit.

HIV negative: No antibodies to HIV were found in your blood and this usually means you do not have HIV. However it can take up to 3 months after becoming infected before HIV antibodies appear in the blood so some people may be advised to have a repeat test.

HIV positive: Antibodies to HIV have been found in your blood and you have HIV infection. You should seek specialist advice and medical support (link to services and information sources here).

• AVERT
• British HIV Association
• HIV Support Centre
• Terence Higgins Trust
• AIDS Helpline (NI) Phone: 0800 137 437