HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects the body’s immune system. If left untreated, HIV can cause AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) seriously harming the body’s immune system, resulting in serious illness and disease. Not everyone who has HIV will develop AIDS.
How it’s caught
The HIV virus is found in blood, semen, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids and breast milk. The most common way HIV is caught is through unprotected vaginal and/or anal sex or by sharing syringes or needles to inject drugs.
Testing
HIV has to be diagnosed through a blood test.
HIV self test is a new testing service in Scotland, giving you a free, quick and easy way of getting an HIV test. If you order a test you will get it through the post, your test will be confidential and posted in discreet packaging. You will also get dedicated support if needed.
This test has a window period of 12 weeks, meaning that if you test sooner than 12 weeks after exposure then you may get a negative test result. Therefore you should only rely on the results of this test if it is used 12 weeks or more after any possible exposure.
Treatment and living with HIV
There is no cure for HIV but there are very effective treatments available which allow people with HIV to stay well and lead normal, healthy lives. For more information on HIV, including treatment and information about testing please visit the HIV section of our website.
Prevention
The best and most effective way of preventing all STI’s including HIV, is to practice safer sex. This means using a condom. Another prevention method for HIV is PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for more information on PrEP please visit the HIV/PrEP section of our website
