HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infections and diseases.
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The term “immunodeficiency” refers to how the virus weakens the immune system, making it less effective at fighting off infections and diseases.
When HIV was first discovered, most people living with the virus developed AIDS due to the lack of effective treatment.
Today, thanks to advancements in HIV treatment, very few people in the UK develop serious illnesses related to HIV. The term AIDS is now rarely used. Instead, healthcare professionals commonly use the terms late-stage HIV or advanced HIV.
If someone living with HIV is on effective treatment and has an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass on the virus to others.
This is known as U=U, which stands for undetectable = untransmittable.
If untreated, HIV progresses through several stages:
HIV can only be passed on if someone has a detectable viral load. It is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as:
HIV cannot be passed on through:
HIV also cannot survive for long outside the human body, making casual contact completely safe.
HIV stigma refers to the prejudice, negative attitudes and discrimination directed toward people living with HIV.
This stigma is often rooted in a lack of accurate knowledge about the virus, misconceptions about how it is transmitted and moral judgments surrounding sex and drug use. The resulting fear and shame can lead to PLHIV being isolated, rejected by friends and family, and treated unfairly in healthcare settings or the workplace, despite the fact that modern medicine allows those on effective treatment to live long, healthy lives and reach an “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U) status.
HIV stigma is a major barrier to testing and treatment, as fear of a positive diagnosis and the associated social fallout can deter individuals from seeking the care they need, ultimately hindering public health efforts to end the HIV epidemic.
Preventing HIV doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking simple, effective steps, you can protect yourself and those around you. Here, we break down the key ways to stop HIV and make prevention easy to understand.
Condoms are one of the best ways to stop HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They’re simple to use and widely available.
Tips for Use:
Benefits of Condoms:
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is for emergencies. If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, taking PEP within 72 hours can stop the virus from taking hold.
How It Works:
If you think you need PEP, go to a sexual health clinic or an A&E department right away. The sooner you start, the better it works.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication you take to protect against HIV. It’s most commonly taken as a daily pill, but some people can also use event-based dosing (also called on-demand PrEP), which involves taking it before and after sex.
PrEP is ideal for people at higher risk of coming into contact with HIV, like those with an HIV-positive partner or who don’t always use condoms when they have sex. It’s over 99% effective if used correctly.
How to Get PrEP:
Good to Know:
Getting tested for HIV is quick, easy, and can save lives. Knowing your status helps you stay healthy and protect others.
Who Should Get Tested?
How Often Should You Test?
Where to Test:
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Lancashire
Revolution has helped me to turn around many negative elements of my life. The staff are extremely knowledgeable of the challenges faced by people living with HIV and have personally given me their time, tools and sound advice needed to start my health management journey and beyond.
Lancashire
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Blackburn with Darwen
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Blackpool
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Blackburn with Darwen
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