What is HIV?
HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus) is a serious viral infection that is spread through body fluids, including through sexual intercourse, and this includes vaginal, anal and sometimes oral sex. HIV can also be spread by needle stick contamination, by sharing needles, receiving surgical treatment in foreign countries (where sterilization of equipment may not meet the standards of developed countries) and sometimes it can be passed from the mother to a child during the birth process or through breast feeding.
HIV is found in the bodily fluids of an infected person which includes semen, vaginal and anal fluids, blood and breast milk. HIV cannot be transmitted through sweat or urine. It thrives inside a persons body, however does not survive long outside the body.
What are the symptoms of HIV?
Not everyone that is infected by HIV will show signs or symptoms of the infection. At first individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, these can include:
- diarrhoea
- headaches
- fatigue
- sore throat
- muscle aches and pains
If these symptoms do occur they can subside for a number of years and the HIV can go undetected in the body, but during this time the virus will multiply and can be passed on to other people.
What's the big deal with HIV?
If left alone and not managed or treated with antiviral tablets, the infection can lead on to a condition called AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), where the immune system becomes weakened and this could eventually lead to life threatening infections and even cancers.
AIDS is the last and final stage of the HIV infection; this is when your body can no longer fight the infection.
However, if caught early through testing, with the correct antiviral medication, most people with HIV will not go on to develop AIDS.
Around 20% of people living in the UK with HIV are thought to be undiagnosed and are unaware that they are carrying the infection. This increases the risk to their partners and themselves of developing serious ill-health problems.
If you have have had sex with someone who may be HIV positive you can reduce your chances of infection by starting a PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) treatment within 72 hours of exposure to the virus. You will need to attend your local A&E department for this treatment.
HIV home testing
A discreet Test kit is provided simply at home & sample then forwarded to the laboratory using our self addressed envelope.
If you think you have been exposed to the risk of HIV then you should get tested immediately.
TESTD offers the latest in HIV testing technology. If you are generally concerned for your health and would like total peace of mind we offer a next day 5th Generation HIV Duo test. This is the most advanced method of testing for HIV and can be done from day 28 onwards following a potential exposure.
The 5th generation HIV Duo test looks for both antibodies and the p24 antigen for HIV and is incredibly accurate (over 99.9% sensitivity).
Please note that it is possible to test for HIV from day 10 after a potential exposure by taking an early detection screen, however it should always be followed up with a 28 day HIV Duo test.
