HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
HIV attacks the immune system, and gradually causes damage. This can mean that, without treatment and care, a person with HIV is at risk of developing serious infections and cancers that a healthy immune system could fight off.
Current treatment for HIV works by reducing the amount of HIV in the body so the immune system can work normally. This doesn’t get rid of HIV completely, but with the right treatment and care, someone with HIV can expect to live a long and healthy life. On medication, a person living with HIV becomes ‘undetectable’ where the virus level is so low in their body, it cannot be passed on through sex, undetectable= untransmittable.
HIV is only present in blood, genital fluids (semen, vaginal fluids and moisture in the rectum) and breast milk.
The ways HIV can be passed on to someone else are:
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during unprotected anal, vaginal and oral sex,
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by sharing injecting equipment,
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from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth or through breastfeeding.
But there are ways of preventing HIV infection in all of these situations.
A test can tell if you have HIV. If you do, this is described as being HIV positive.
Preventions and Precautions
Condoms
If male condoms or female condoms are used, this significantly reduces the risk of acquiring HIV.
Studies show that if used correctly, condoms offer strong protection against HIV, as well as having the added benefit of reducing the risk of other STIs. To best protect against HIV they can be used in combination with other prevention methods such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
PrEP – (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Prep is a drug taken by HIV-negative people before and after sex that reduces the risk of getting HIV.
This is a medicine taken by people who do not have HIV infection to reduce the chance of becoming infected with HIV through sex. “Pre-exposure” means taking the medicine in advance, and “prophylaxis” means to prevent infection.
PrEP is a single tablet which contains two medicines: Tenofovir and Emtricitabine. These medicines have been used as part of HIV treatment for several years.
If taken as instructed, taking PrEP can reduce the risk of developing HIV infection. PrEP does not reduce the risk of other sexual infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis or hepatitis C.
PEP – (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
PEP can be taken within 72 hours of exposure to HIV and may prevent infection.
This is a 28 day course of medication which is taken to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV, after definite or probable exposure.
If you believe to have been exposed then contact your doctor or the Sexual health 4 Newcastle immediately on the details below.
The need to take PEP depends on the chance that the person you had sex with is HIV positive, the type of sex and whether you used condoms. We also consider other factors, such as whether you had any exposure to blood, and sexual assault.
HIV Treatment/Testing Centres
Sexual Health 4 Newcastle
New Croft House, Market Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6ND
Telephone: 0191 229 2999
https://sexualhealthservices4newcastle.co.uk/hiv/
Online Testing
https://www.sh.uk/
Free to order, discreet delivery to your home when based in Newcastle.
Local services and support
Blue Sky Trust
Blue Sky Trust offers confidential, judgment free advice and support for those living with HIV at every stage of their journey. From courses for those newly diagnosed to peer support and weekly social gatherings. You can self-refer for support and the team will happily chat to you if you would like more information about how they could support you.
HIV Specialist Team
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP
Telephone: 0191 282 4463 - ask for an HIV social worker
Telephone: 0191 282 3873 - HIV Specialist Welfare Rights Officer