Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) weakens your body's ability to fight infections and disease.
Is there a cure for HIV?
No. There are treatments to help most people with the virus to live a long and healthy life.
What is AIDS?
Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease (AIDS) is the final stage of a HIV infection. This is when your body can no longer fight life-threatening infections.
It is very important to get checked for HIV as soon as you have had unprotected sex. You have a better chance of your HIV not developing into AIDS, if you:
- Get checked early;
- and get effective treatment.
I have had unprotected sex with a person I have known for years, should I still get tested?
Yes. You should get tested every single time you have unprotected sex.
You can never be 100% sure of a person's sexual history, no matter how well you know them. The only way to know for sure is to be tested.
If you have unprotected sex, get tested as soon as possible. For more about this, visit: HIV testing.
For more about HIV:
- The Brunswick Centre. A registered charity that gives support for HIV and Sexual Health in Calderdale and Kirklees. It offers counselling and emotional support, financial advice and practical assistance. The centre can also provide fast testing for HIV.
- National AIDS Helpline. For advice and information on HIV, AIDS and sexual health. Phone: 0800 567 123 (for other languages phone: 0800 717 2227).
- AIDSmap. National AIDS Manual (NAM) website. Information on HIV and AIDS for both the UK and countries around the world.
- National AIDS Trust (NAT). A UK charity who champion the rights of people living with HIV. They offer fresh thinking, expertise and practical resources.
- Gateway to Care. Contact for other organisations that help people with HIV, AIDS, STIs and other STDs.