Ans. You can get an HIV test from your local GUM clinic. The test results will be completely confidential and no one needs to know that you have been. While there, you can also be tested for any of the other STI's which you may be at risk of contracting. However, the HIV test detects antibodies to HIV rather than the virus itself, and these antibodies may take up to three months to appear, so taking an HIV test immediately would not tell you if you had been recently infected. However you might like to talk through the issues at your local GUM clinic or contact DHIVERSE for information & support.

Ans. Many agencies provide free contraceptives to individuals. Family Planning Clinics across the country will provide contraceptives freely. DHIVERSE and PHSS also provide free condoms at a number of venues and from our offices For more information about condoms, why not visit our condom site?

Ans. Yes, if you are infected you will be at your most infectious as the virus will be rapidly replicating and you will have a high viral load in your bloodstream. After 3 months, your body should have begun its immune response to the HIV virus which, although will not kill the virus, lowers the viral load in your bloodstream by the use of an antibody. It is this antibody that the HIV test is looking for.

Ans. There are no specific symptoms of HIV though HIV infection can lead to your glands swelling up. If you have put yourself at risk, it is well worth thinking about going for a test and even if you do not think you have, you should have regular check ups if you are sexually active.

Ans. The sex that you have is your choice. However there is a growing amount of research that seems to suggest that although you already have HIV in your body you could pick up other strains of HIV through unprotected sex. This could mean that you get a more aggressive strain or one that is resistant to some HIV drugs. If you would like to chat all this through in confidence why not contact our Positive Options Team.

Ans. You might like to consider going to your local GUM clinic and have a check up as you could have been exposed to infection. The service is completely confidential and free. If you require support, you can also contact us at DHIVERSE . You can also receive support for your relationship issues from RELATE.