Word on HIV

Our grateful thanks to Richard Angell from the Terrence Higgins Trust for his contribution to our radio feature, which you can hear again at the bottom of this page. To connect with the charity visit our Links Page. 

Understanding HIV: Facts, Prevention & Treatment. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Thanks to medical advances and public health efforts, HIV is no longer the death sentence it was once perceived to be. People living with HIV can now live long, healthy lives—and most importantly, they can’t pass the virus on if they’re on effective treatment.

With the UK Government’s bold aim to end new cases of HIV by 2030, it’s never been more important to update what we think we know about HIV. Too many of us still carry outdated views that do more harm than good.

What Is HIV?  HIV is a virus that targets and damages the immune system—specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help fight off infections. If untreated, HIV reduces the number of these cells, making a person more vulnerable to infections or infection-related cancers.

AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection, when the immune system is severely damaged. But with early diagnosis and proper treatment, most people with HIV will never develop AIDS.

How Is HIV Transmitted? HIV is passed on through certain bodily fluids, including:

• Blood
• Semen and vaginal fluids
• Rectal fluids
• Breast milk (less common in countries like the UK due to medical guidance)

It is NOT passed on through:

• Hugging, kissing, or touching
• Sharing food or drinks
• Toilet seats
• Mosquito bites

Common Risk Factors. You may be at increased risk of HIV if you:

• Have unprotected sex with someone who has HIV (particularly without knowing their status or yours)
• Share needles or syringes (for drugs, tattoos, or piercings)
• Have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which can increase susceptibility
• Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1991 in the UK (modern screening has eliminated this risk)
• Are a baby born to a mother with HIV (though with treatment, this risk is very low)

Signs and Symptoms. Many people with HIV don’t experience symptoms for years. However, some may notice flu-like symptoms 2–6 weeks after infection, such as:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Rash
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches

These are easily mistaken for other viral infections. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.

HIV Testing: Quick, Confidential, and Free. Testing is free and confidential and available via:

• Sexual health clinics
• GP surgeries
• Community organisations
• At-home testing kits

Knowing your status is key—early diagnosis = early treatment = better health. If you're sexually active, especially with multiple partners or new partners, regular testing is a smart move.

Treatments: Effective and Lifesaving. HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART)—a combination of medications taken daily. This:

• Stops the virus from multiplying
• Protects your immune system
• Allows people with HIV to live a normal lifespan

Crucially, people on effective HIV treatment can achieve an undetectable viral load, meaning they cannot pass the virus on to sexual partners. This is known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

Preventing HIV: Tools That Work. Today, we have multiple tools that help stop HIV transmission:

• PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). A daily pill for HIV-negative people at risk of HIV. Highly effective when taken consistently.
• PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). Emergency medication taken within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure. Most effective the sooner it’s started.
• Condoms. Still a highly effective and accessible way to prevent HIV and other STIs.
• Regular Testing.  The more we test, the more we know—early diagnosis protects both individuals and communities.

Stigma and Misinformation: Still a Barrier Despite decades of progress, stigma and misinformation continue to impact people living with HIV—causing unnecessary fear, shame, and discrimination. Myths that HIV is a “death sentence” or only affects certain groups are outdated and harmful.

Education is prevention. Compassion is progress.

 

Listen to this weeks radio report