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HIV Testing: Free & Easy NHS Alert!
10 Feb
Summary
- Free and easy HIV testing is available through the NHS.
- Effective treatment allows people with HIV to live long lives.
- Early diagnosis and treatment prevent serious illness.
The NHS is urging individuals to get tested for HIV, a virus that weakens the immune system. Testing is free, easily accessible, and plays a crucial role in managing the condition. Early diagnosis is emphasized as key to starting effective treatment.
With current medical advancements, people diagnosed with HIV can lead long and healthy lives. Crucially, effective treatment means they cannot transmit the virus to others. While HIV is a lifelong virus, it differs from AIDS, a condition arising from advanced HIV. Most individuals undergoing treatment in the UK do not progress to AIDS.
Some may experience flu-like symptoms two to six weeks post-infection, though many remain asymptomatic for years. Therefore, testing is vital for those at risk. HIV primarily spreads through unprotected sexual contact but can also be transmitted via blood or from mother to child. Healthcare teams offer counseling and advise individuals to inform their partners about potential exposure.
