Conditions
HIV / AIDS
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a global pandemic and the fourth biggest killer worldwide. HIV is an incurable sexually transmitted infection that can be passed during unprotected anal, vaginal and also oral sex, via blood, semen, vaginal fluids and even breast milk. It can also be transmitted by sharing dirty needles, which places intravenous drug users at risk. Although gay men who engage in unprotected sex are a high risk group, anyone who fails to practice safe sex risks infection. A blood test (usually taken 1-3 months after the risk of infection has been identified) can detect the presence of the virus, which attacks the body’s immune system and leaves those infected susceptible to life-threatening conditions (AIDS is the latter stages of HIV when the immune system has stopped working). If you contract HIV, then counselling, regular blood tests, and a daily cocktail of drugs, which work to slow the progress of the virus and effectively manage the condition, will unfortunately become a way of life.
To find out more about HIV & AIDS there are numerous support groups:
NHS Choices
BUPA
Patient.co.uk
The Terrence Higgins Trust
Comments and Questions
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Hi, I had unprotected anal sex twice with the same guy when I was 15. As far as I know he has had intercourse with another girl before me but he didn't reach a climax. I'm now worrying if I'm at risk of having HIV/aids from this experience. Please help I'm a Mercia wreck what are my odds ?
Hi i just want to no if is there any side affects that you no if u got aids or hiv???
About 10 months ago I had unprotected oral sex with a man who I knew little about. The last 4 months I have had very bad tonsillitis which I have found online can be caused by HIV, and I am now worrying myself that I may have contracted it. I am not fully comfortable with going to a clinic and was looking at getting a Labpro online test, that I can do at home. Is this accurate enough?
i have recurrent oral thrush 3 negative tests swallowing problem last test 9 months after i thought i had cntracted hiv through a kiss unsure if blood was present please help
hello, im really worried i have HIV, i have little white spots on the side and the bottom of my tongue. ive read up on internet websites and they all say i may have HIV. can you give me more info please, thanks.
Is a 6 week negative with a 4th gen duo test conclusive? i was advised that it is from a sexual health advisor, from a clinic specialising in HIV. my risk was unprotected oral for one minute max (msm), no ejaculation, doubt there was precum. So is a 6 week negative conclusive with a 4th gen duo?
hi gort tested for hiv at 16 cut my leg and my mates neighbour cleaned it and bandaged it i later found out by people she had hiv and finnally got courage to get tested 7 months later when i came down with bad flew like symptoms came back neg twice but i really feel as if my mum got told i had from gp and maybe lide to me i have seen my test result o my records it said non reactive am told ave got bad anxiety disorder its TOTTALLY wrecked my life to the point i dont leave my house at all fof last16mnths plz help
You can't get hiv from someone cleaning your wounds!! What is the 80s???!! It's scary that people still are this ignorant. HIV is transmitted via sexually int ercourse ( vaginal,anal,oral) an through sharing hiv contaminated needles. Just having someone touch you does not transmit the virus.
i had unprotected oral sex with a guy and i found out of him that he used to do herion years ago but he said he gave it up and goes for regular testing for stis and that hes clear but im worried could i have an sti?
I just being told that i am hiv posiive but before that i used to get allergic reaction when i have food and drink which never happen to me before, my face is swellon and lips and its come on my legs and arms why is this
I had unprotected sex over 9 years ago with a woman. I have been relatively healthy during this time although I have had a full blood count recently for something unrelated and It came back normal. If I had HIV would it have any affect on my white cell count? I've read people both saying it can and cant, I dont know what to believe. You would think it would lower my white cell count after 9 years which would then prompt further investigations wouldnt you? Please help.
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