HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that can be passed on from one person to another by:
- Having unprotected sex without a condom (oral, vaginal and anal sex)
- By sharing infected needles
- By receiving infected blood
- From mother to baby during pregnancy and birth.
Someone can have HIV without realising they have it, Heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual men and women of all ages and socioeconomic groups.
- Over 91,000 people in the UK had HIV at the end of 2010.
- One quarter of these did not know they were infected.
If HIV infection is discovered by a test, it can be treated with medications. These are very good at treating the infection, and even though they don’t ‘cure’ HIV they can prevent it becoming a life-threatening disease. Most people who are treated for HIV remain fit and well. If not discovered and untreated, HIV can cause AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which is a serious illness that can lead to death.
We have several HIV tests, which are quick and not usually available on the NHS. Results usually return in 24 hours.
One of our tests can be performed 28 days after possible infection.
A combined Hepatitis B/ Hepatitis C/ HIV test can be performed at 10 days post infection. These tests look for antibodies to HIV and HIV proteins in the blood. These are made when the body ‘detects’ HIV. Please enquire for further details.
We also offer the standard HIV test 12 weeks after possible infection.
(This is the test available on the NHS and looks for antibodies to HIV. It can take 12 weeks for these antibodies to appear in the blood, after being infected with HIV. This is called the ‘window period’)
The result of a HIV test here is confidential.
In the event of a positive test, help and support is readily available at this clinic and we can refer you for treatment.
We recommend that you have this test if you have any concerns about HIV.
Why not take the plunge during HIV testing week and take the test?
CALL 07531 194797 with enquiries
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