HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease. There's currently no cure for HIV, but with early diagnosis and the availability of very effective drug treatments, most people with the virus can go on to live a long and healthy life. The most common way of getting HIV in the UK is through having anal or vaginal sex without a condom.
If you have been diagnosed with HIV infection you will need to attend our clinic for regular check-ups, which will include blood tests to monitor your HIV infection. You will get support from the team to help you deal with your diagnosis, the tests needed to monitor the HIV infection and any other support you need.
PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis following Sexual Exposure to HIV. It is a short course of HIV treatment, given to people who may have been exposed to HIV, to reduce the risk of them becoming HIV positive because of unprotected sex – this can be, having sexual intercourse without a condom. You will need to contact us here at Palmers community hospital in Jarrow if you think you need this treatment and is vital that it is started within 72 hours of the sexual exposure. Please contact us on 0191 4028168.
If you’re HIV negative, you may be able to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medicine to reduce your risk of contracting HIV. PrEP is available for some people who are at high risk of acquiring HIV infection. PrEP is currently available as a pill taken before sex, so it is pre-exposure. Prophylaxis means to prevent infection. So, you can use PrEP to greatly reduce the risk of becoming HIV positive. PrEP is now free across the UK and is also available from South Tyneside Sexual Health.
Here are some factors that are linked to a high risk of HIV:
- If you are a man or a woman and have sex with men who themselves have sex with other men and do not always use condoms.
- If your sexual partner is HIV positive who is not on treatment or is on treatment, but their HIV has not yet been undetectable (not yet under control) for at least 6 months.
- If you have sex without a condom with multiple partners and or with recent migrants to the UK.
- If you are paid for sex and you are pressured not to use condoms.
- If you were diagnosed with a recent sexually transmitted infection (STI) (especially rectal bacterial infection, HCV or syphilis).
- If you needed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) particularly repeated courses.
- If you use recreational drugs used for Chemsex (crystal meth, mephedrone and GHB).
Please give us a call to discuss HIV testing and treatments on 0191 4028168.