STD Symptoms, HIV Symptoms & HIV Test London
WHAT IS IT?
HIV is a retrovirus that can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening infections we ordinarily would be able to fight naturally. Infection with HIV occurs by the transfer of blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, and breast milk.
HOW CAN I GET IT?
HIV is spread by sexual contact with an infected person, by sharing needles and/or syringes (mainly for drug use) with someone who is infected, or through transfusions of infected blood. Babies born to HIV-infected women may become infected before or during birth or through breast-feeding after birth. Having unprotected vaginal or anal sex poses a risk for catching HIV. Getting HIV through oral sex (both giving and receiving) is possible but very rare.
How do i know if i have it?
You may not. Many people do not develop any symptoms when they first become infected with HIV. Some people, however, get a flu-like illness within three to six weeks after exposure to the virus which may include fever, headache, tiredness, nausea, diarrhoea and enlarged lymph nodes. These symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month and are often mistaken for another infection. The only way to find out whether you have HIV is to get tested.
What should I do if I may have been exposed?
If you may have been exposed to the HIV virus (through unsafe sex, for example) less than 72 hours ago, you can take a course of medication that may prevent you from becoming infected with HIV. This treatment is known as PEP, which stands for Post Exposure Prophylaxis and involves taking a course of anti-HIV medication for a month. These medications work by preventing the HIV virus from reproducing before it becomes established in a person's body. PEP treatment is not guaranteed to work but can reduce the chances of HIV infection if taken quickly after exposure. Post Exposure Prophylaxis must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure in order to be effective. Before you receive PEP treatment, you must be tested for HIV in order to ensure you do not already have the virus. PEP has certain side effects including diarrhoea, nausea and headaches. To get more information on Post Exposure Prophylaxis, please visit Terrence Higgins Trust.
HIV/Aids Test
Testing for HIV involves taking blood samples. This can be done from as early as 10 days after the risky episode using an HIV PCR Test; 28 days afterwards using an HIV DUO test and 90 days afterwards using a standard HIV antibody test such as the HIV INSTI. Further confirmatory tests may be necessary.
HIV/Aids Treatment
There is currently no cure for HIV or AIDS. Treatment consists of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), and advances continue to be made improving both quality of life and prognosis.
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