NHS Islington...

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HIV testing

What is HIV?

HIV is short for human immunodeficiency virus. The virus attacks and gradually destroys the body's immune system, making it less able to fight off infections. There is no cure for HIV and no vaccine to stop you from becoming infected. Treatments have been developed that enable most people with HIV to stay well and live relatively normal lives.

HIV and AIDS

HIV may lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS is a serious condition in which your body is unable to defend itself against a number of serious infections and other illnesses. AIDS is only diagnosed when you develop one or more of a specific number of severe opportunistic infections or cancers.

What should I do if I think I may have been infected with HIV?

The only way to know for sure if you have been infected is to have a HIV test. If you develop symptoms and/or have reason to think that you may be at risk of HIV infection, you may want to think about having this test. Even if you don’t have any symptoms you may want to think about having an HIV test if:

• You have had unprotected sex (without a condom) with a new partner.
• Someone you have had sex with tells you they have HIV.
• You have shared needles to inject drugs.
• You or your partner have had unprotected sex with other partners.
• You or your partner have another sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Where can I get tested for HIV locally?

For information about clinics that provide testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections to Islington residents, please click the following links:

• Mortimer Market Centre
• Archway Sexual Health Clinic

Web links

• HIV information
• Terrence Higgins Trust
• www.condomessentialwear.co.uk

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