What is HIV and AIDS?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus which causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). While there is a large stigma associated with having HIV/AIDS, advances in modern medicine mean that HIV positive people (those who have the disease) have the same life expectancy and quality of life as HIV negative people. Also, HIV positive people often have “undetectable viral loads”, which means they cannot pass on the virus.
In other words, when properly managed, being HIV positive is no big deal.
However, there is no known cure - unlike many sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV will stay with you for life.
It is an unfortunate fact that HIV is more prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community than the general population. 1 in every 8 “men who have sex with men” in the South East of England have HIV, and this figure is higher for the trans and BME communities.
The virus is passed in adults by exchange of bodily fluids. There is no record of anyone catching HIV orally (by swallowing). Furthermore, people with undetectable viral loads cannot pass on the virus.
The most dangerous part of HIV is the time between infection and diagnosis. During this time, your health may deteriorate, and you will be able to infect others accidentally. This is why quick diagnosis is important.
If you are think that you may have caught HIV, it is important to go to the GUM clinic as soon as you physically can. They will be able to prescribe you with PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis). This is a course of powerful antiretrovirals. If taken within 48 hours of infection, it can prevent HIV becoming permanent.
Find out more here.
It takes two weeks after infection before HIV will show up on a blood test. You can book this appointment in advance.
Support:
We work closely with the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) in Oxford. This fantastic charity aims to reduce the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections amongst different communities whilst supporting those who are already living with HIV. THT also recognises the need to raise public awareness of HIV and AIDS so that there is a wider understanding about its impact, but also to help reduce the stigma sometimes attached. There are a wide range of services that can be accessed through THT, including the following:
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus which causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). While there is a large stigma associated with having HIV/AIDS, advances in modern medicine mean that HIV positive people (those who have the disease) have the same life expectancy and quality of life as HIV negative people. Also, HIV positive people often have “undetectable viral loads”, which means they cannot pass on the virus.
In other words, when properly managed, being HIV positive is no big deal.
However, there is no known cure - unlike many sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV will stay with you for life.
It is an unfortunate fact that HIV is more prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community than the general population. 1 in every 8 “men who have sex with men” in the South East of England have HIV, and this figure is higher for the trans and BME communities.
The virus is passed in adults by exchange of bodily fluids. There is no record of anyone catching HIV orally (by swallowing). Furthermore, people with undetectable viral loads cannot pass on the virus.
The most dangerous part of HIV is the time between infection and diagnosis. During this time, your health may deteriorate, and you will be able to infect others accidentally. This is why quick diagnosis is important.
If you are think that you may have caught HIV, it is important to go to the GUM clinic as soon as you physically can. They will be able to prescribe you with PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis). This is a course of powerful antiretrovirals. If taken within 48 hours of infection, it can prevent HIV becoming permanent.
Find out more here.
It takes two weeks after infection before HIV will show up on a blood test. You can book this appointment in advance.
Support:
We work closely with the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) in Oxford. This fantastic charity aims to reduce the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections amongst different communities whilst supporting those who are already living with HIV. THT also recognises the need to raise public awareness of HIV and AIDS so that there is a wider understanding about its impact, but also to help reduce the stigma sometimes attached. There are a wide range of services that can be accessed through THT, including the following:
- Face2Face – One to one support provided by trained members of staff offering advice on HIV diagnosis and issues with sexuality.
- THT Direct (0800 802 1221) – A national service offering support and advice over the phone.
- Counselling – For those diagnosed with or affected by HIV.
- Peer support groups – Small groups that meet to share their experiences of living with HIV.
- Advocacy – Advice and support on housing, immigration, welfare benefits and employment. They are based in The Rectory Centre, Rectory Road, Oxford, OX4 1BU (01865 243389).
