Confidential HIV Test Reading

Better2Know offers you a confidential, and anonymous service in our Reading clinic, to test for HIV. With friendly, discreet staff, in a modern, clean environment, we make an HIV and STI test as easy as possible. To book: you can call our booking team, or book on line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Our Reading HIV test:

  • HIV 28 Day DUO Test. This test gives you a very accurate HIV result. It is suitable for possible exposures which occurred at least four weeks ago. Results are available the same day your sample is received in the laboratory. The HIV Duo test combines an HIV antibody and HIV antigen test. It detects any HIV infection sooner than a traditional antibody test.

Signs and Symptoms of HIV

Many people who are newly infected with the HIV virus, will experience flu-like symptoms for a short period of time. It is a sign that your immune system is putting up a fight against the infection.  These symptoms usually occur two to six weeks after infection.  They can last for up to four weeks.  The presence of abscence of these infections does not mean that you do, or do not have HIV.  The only way to know if you have HIV is to have an HIV test.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Body rash

Other symptoms can include:

  • Tiredness
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Swollen glands

These symptoms are common to many different illnesses, including colds and flu.  The only way you can tell if you have HIV is by getting tested.

The earlier you get tested, the better your prognosis.  An early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, will mean that  HIV should no longer the life-threatening illness it once was.

What if I test positive for HIV?

Firstly, do not worry, we are here to help. Your Better2Know Doctor will refer you to a specialist where you can get advice and support.  We are also supported by the Terrence Higgins Trust who have been providing expert guidance to people newly diagnosed positive for over 30 years. We can help you to speak to advisor at the Trust if you would like.