HIV and AIDS

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that harms your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections and diseases.

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the term for a group of serious infections and illnesses that occur when your immune system is badly damaged by HIV.

Anyone who has sex without a condom or shares needles is at risk of HIV infection.

There are many effective ways to prevent or reduce the risk of HIV infection, including:

• using a condom for sex
• post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
• pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
• treatment for HIV to reduce the viral load to undetectable
• if you use drugs, never sharing needles or other injecting equipment, including syringes, spoons and swabs

Speak to your local sexual health clinic or a GP for further advice about the best way to reduce your risk.

For more information check out the NHS website

HIV is treated with antiretroviral medications, which you need to take every day as your doctor recommends. Without treatment, the virus will harm your immune system and could be passed on to others. If you think you might have been exposed to HIV, seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Besides taking your HIV treatment, you can do many things to stay healthy and reduce your risk of getting sick:

• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Stop smoking
• Get a flu jab once a year to lower the risk of serious illnesses

For more information about staying healthy visit our healthy living pages 

Mental Health

Depression is common among people living with HIV. It can range from mild to severe and affect your daily life. Symptoms can include:

• Persistent sadness
• Anxiety
• Feeling empty
• Helplessness
• Negativity
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of interest in people and hobbies

Other mental health conditions, like anxiety, mood, and personality disorders, can also occur in people with HIV and AIDS.

For more information around mental health support visit our mental health pages.

There are many things that you can do if a friend or loved one has been recently diagnosed with HIV:

• talk – be prepared for open honest conversations about HIV
• listen - being diagnosed with HIV can be life changing news so it is important to listen to your health professionals
• learn - having a solid understanding of HIV can help you to move on living the life you want to lead
• follow any medication prescribed by your Doctor.

If you are the sexual partner of someone who has been diagnosed with HIV, you should also get tested so that you know your own HIV status.

National AIDS Trust

The National AIDS Trust (NAT) is a UK charity that works to protect the rights of people living with or at risk of HIV. They focus on policy development, research, and advocacy to improve the lives of those affected by HIV

Visit the National AIDS Trust website

Terrence Higgins Trust

The Terrence Higgins Trust is a UK charity that focuses on HIV and sexual health. They work to end HIV transmission, support people living with HIV, and reduce stigma and discrimination.

Visit the Terrance Higgins Trust website