STIs

HIV is a virus that affects the immune system and causes AIDS. People can become infected with HIV and they can pass it on to others. A person infected with HIV is infected for life, although with treatment they can look and feel well for a long time.

A person is said to have AIDS if they are infected with HIV and they have also developed one of a number of particularly severe illnesses. There is currently no cure for AIDS and no vaccine to prevent it. Anyone can become infected - male, female, straight, gay, young or old. So it’s important to be careful (see about safer sex).

Anyone can have a free blood test for HIV. Results are likely to take a week.

You cannot tell if someone is free from infection just by looking at him or her. HIV can be passed on through unprotected anal or vaginal sex, through injecting drugs using a needle or syringe that has already been used by an infected person, or from an HIV positive pregnant woman to her unborn baby, before or while giving birth, or when breastfeeding. Infection from oral sex is possible, but generally thought to be rare.

You definitely cannot become infected by:

• Sharing dishes or knives and forks with someone who is infected
• Eating food prepared by someone who is infected
• Touching, hugging, kissing or massaging someone who is infected
• Using the same toilet as someone who is infected.

If you think you have been at risk it is important to get tested.

• Testing is available from the GUM Clinic or Family Planning Clinic at Dean Terrace where you can receive counselling before and after taking the test.
• If you have been exposed to HIV you will have to wait 3 months before HIV (antibodies) can be detected in your blood, but don’t just wait and worry – talk to one of the agencies in the address book.
• Anyone can have a free blood test for HIV. Results are likely to take a week.
• Testing is also available from your doctor but this will be recorded on your medical records.

How can I protect myself and my partner? What happens when you go for an STI test at a sexual health clinic? STI quick guide