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HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that targets the immune system, weakening the natural defences of the body and making it more prone to viral infections.
Therefore, knowing your HIV status is crucial. We have different HIV testing options available, depending on which HIV test makes the most sense for you. Some tests give results immediately, while others take longer. Additionally, some tests are more appropriate in the case of recent possible exposure.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for immune response.
Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body cannot fight off infections and diseases, leading to the most severe phase of HIV infection: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
HIV is diagnosed using blood or saliva tests. We offer an Instant HIV test, HIV antibody and P24 antigen test, Multiplex (HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C) early detection test, and HIV-1 RNA fast early detection test. All of these tests are a simple, relatively painless, blood test.
Acute HIV Infection: This occurs within 2 – 4 weeks after exposure to the virus. During this time, some people may experience flu-like symptoms, which is the body’s natural response to the infection.
Chronic HIV Infection: Also known as asymptomatic HIV infection or clinical latency. During this phase, HIV continues to multiply in the body at low levels but may not cause any symptoms. Without treatment, this stage can last a decade or longer, but some may progress through it faster.
AIDS: This is the final, most severe phase of HIV infection. By this stage, the immune system is badly damaged, and the body becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. Without treatment, people with AIDS typically survive about three years.
Unlike colds and flu, HIV is not spread through the air or through basic physical contact. You can catch HIV from an infected person if certain of their body fluids get into your bloodstream. Body fluids capable of transmitting the infection include blood, semen, vaginal fluid, menstrual blood, breast milk, and fluids found in the lining of the anus. HIV is not transmitted through saliva, sweat, or urine.
The most common way to catch HIV is through unprotected sex. It is also spread by sharing needles or other injecting equipment with someone who is infected. It is also possible for an HIV-positive mother to pass the virus to her child during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.
To prevent the transmission of HIV, it is imperative to practice safe sex (using condoms), get regular HIV testing, know your partner’s HIV status, and use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk of HIV.
You must definitely avoid sharing needles and syringes, and always go to reputable hospitals where safe blood transfusions and organ transplants are ensured.
While there is no cure for HIV, it can be controlled with proper medical care. The main treatment is antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking a combination of HIV medicines every day.
ART helps reduce the viral load in the body to undetectable levels, allowing people with HIV to live longer, healthier lives and reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
An HIV test is the only way to know for sure whether you are infected with the virus. It is important to speak to a doctor as soon as you think you may have been exposed so that you can get tested.
The kind of test you will take depends on the time that has passed since potential exposure to the virus, and involves giving a sample of your blood, which will be checked for signs of infection. Our London doctors can advise you on how best to proceed. Give us a call and make your appointment today.
Boosting your immune system when living with HIV involves a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and self-care strategies. Here are several key approaches:
Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.
On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.
You will be seen by one of our friendly doctors or trained clinicians.
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