What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system of an infected individual. If untreated, HIV infection can result in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This is the term used to describe the reduced ability of the immune system to fight infections and illnesses, leading to life-threatening complications. However, people who are HIV-positive but receive treatment on time are likely to remain healthy with normal life expectancy.

Public Health England estimates that there are over 100,000 people with HIV in the UK. 92% know their status, however, around 1 in 12 people who are HIV positive in the UK do not know that they are infected, emphasising the importance of regular testing.

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HIV Testing

Better2Know has different HIV Test options:

Instant HIV Tests vary, if your encounter was less than 45 days ago please tell your adviser and consider a laboratory test.

Some visas or jobs may need you to have an HIV Certificate to proove your HIV status.  Better2Know can help you with this.  Please request at the time of booking your test.

If you have had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours you may be able to get PEP which is a medicine that must be taken every day to stop you getting HIV.

How can I catch HIV?

HIV can be transmitted sexually and non-sexually through the exchange of bodily fluids. These include:

  • Semen
  • Pre-cum (the fluid that the penis produces for lubrication before ejaculation)
  • Vaginal fluids, including menstrual fluids (period blood)
  • Breast milk
  • Blood
  • The mucus found in the rectum.

Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person could also transfer to virus, including vaginal, anal or oral contact. Acquiring or passing on HIV through oral sex is possible but rare.

HIV cannot be transmitted by air, water, insect bites, saliva, tears or sweat. The virus also cannot be passed through healthy, unbroken skin.

You can find out more about HIV transmission here.

What are the symptoms and signs of HIV?

Signs of an HIV infection may not always be present in the early stages after exposure. If symptoms are present, they can occur in the first four to six weeks following infection and include flu-like illnesses, sore throat and swollen glands. This is usually when your body has begun the ‘seroconversion process’. Seroconversion is where your body tries to counteract the virus by producing antibodies.

Following this phase, symptoms can clear for up to 15 years. However, during this time you are still infectious, and the virus is still causing harm to your system. If the infection remains untreated, you will become more susceptible to other infections including bacterial, viral or fungal diseases.

As HIV advances in the body, symptoms of a weakened immune system start to appear.

Common symptoms include:

  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Chronic diarrhoea
  • Recurrent infections, such as chest infections
  • Skin rashes, especially on the face, genitals or anus
  • Increased Herpes ulcers or thrush infections on and around the mouth and genitals
  • Sweats, especially at night
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Nausea or loss of appetite
  • Swollen lymph glands in the neck, groin or armpits.

If you have these symptoms and think that you may have been at risk of HIV at any time, then it is advisable to get tested. You may have been at risk of HIV if you have had any unprotected sex with different partners, shared injecting equipment when using recreational drugs or steroids, or if you have taken a blood transfusion outside of the UK. You can find out more about HIV symptoms here.

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Did you know? …

Around 1 in 12 people who are HIV positive in the UK do not know their status. The faster you start the right treatment, the higher the quality and the longer the length of life you will have.

How can HIV be tested/checked?

Knowing that you are HIV positive is much better for your long-term health because you can start treatment early.  Getting an HIV test is easy with Better2Know.  A blood sample is collected from the arm using a catheter or with a finger stick using a lancet.

At selected clinics, you may have access to instant testing, which would allow you to get your results after about 20 minutes. You can also get a Home Sample Collection Kit by visiting our Home STI Tests page.

If you have any question about HIV Testing, please see our FAQs or call our sexual health advisors on the number above.

All of our UK Clinics offer HIV testing. We have clinics across the UK so we will have a clinic near you.

What are the risks associated with HIV?

If an HIV infection is left untreated, the reduction of CD4 cells affects the immune system. This means it will be harder to fight infections and other diseases. Eventually, the development of an AIDS-defining illness, leading to a diagnosis of AIDS, can be fatal.

It is possible for a HIV-positive female to pass the infection to her baby; this can occur during pregnancy, at birth or through breastfeeding. In the UK, this possibility is considered as a rare occurrence because pregnant women are routinely tested for HIV and given appropriate treatment if found HIV-positive, which would prevent transmission of the virus to the foetus.

What if I test positive for HIV?

With access to effective treatment, HIV is no longer life-threatening. Medication can help to control the virus to prevent it from causing further harm to the immune system. You can choose whether to continue your treatment privately or through your own GP. Better2Know can provide you with a prescription for medication and advice on lifestyle changes to help you control the infection if you test positive.

Early detection and treatment are highly important to protect your long-term health. You should start to monitor the effects of the virus as soon as possible. With the Better2Know 10-day test, HIV can be detected from as early as ten days after any exposure.

Your Better2Know doctor will refer you to appropriate specialists, such as the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), to help you get the support and advice you need. THT has 37 centres nationwide that are there to support you. With over 30 years of experience, they will help you decide whom to tell about your HIV status and how. Having helped thousands of newly diagnosed people, THT are the UK’s experts in this area.

Their dedicated website enables the HIV positive community to share their thoughts and feelings. The THT will also help you to seek medical support and answer your questions about what this means for you and your future relationships.

There are also apps and webpages which can help you to monitor your condition, allowing you to manage the virus whilst maintaining your health and lifestyle.

It is important to notify recent sexual partners if you test positive for HIV. This prevents further transmission and enables earlier treatment if they have been infected. You can use the Better2Know notification system in your patient area to notify your partners.

Book your HIV test

Better2Know is the world’s leading provider of private sexual health testing services. We will arrange a clinic appointment or home testing kit quickly, and deliver fast and accurate results for your peace of mind. If you have any concerns about your sexual health, please call our friendly booking team on the number above or click Book Now.

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