A Q and A on HIV
HIV: straight answers to the questions people actually ask, with the figures behind them.
A virus that damages the immune system, now a manageable long-term condition when treated.
Key takeaways
- Undetectable equals untransmittable: effective treatment prevents sexual transmission
- Testing: free, confidential, and available by post in many areas
- Most useful single change: Test regularly if you are at risk; it is free and confidential.
- Commonest mistake: Delaying testing out of fear; early treatment changes outcomes entirely.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
What is HIV?
A virus that damages the immune system, now a manageable long-term condition when treated.
Why does it matter?
Effective treatment makes the virus undetectable and untransmittable, which has changed both prognosis and prevention entirely.
Undetectable equals untransmittable for HIV?
Effective treatment prevents sexual transmission.
Life expectancy on treatment for HIV?
Close to that of the general population.
What is the single most useful thing to do?
Test regularly if you are at risk; it is free and confidential.
What is the most common mistake?
Delaying testing out of fear; early treatment changes outcomes entirely.
When should I see a doctor?
Seek emergency care within 72 hours of a possible HIV exposure — PEP is most effective the sooner it is started and is available from A&E and sexual health clinics. See a GP or sexual health service for a flu-like illness with rash, fever and swollen glands some weeks after a possible exposure, which can indicate recent infection.
Where to go next
- Popular Beliefs About HIV, and What Is Actually Published
- The First Steps With HIV
- HIV — the reference entry
- What the Guidance Really Says About Cervical Screening and HPV
- What the Guidance Really Says About Sexual Function
When to speak to a doctor
Seek emergency care within 72 hours of a possible HIV exposure — PEP is most effective the sooner it is started and is available from A&E and sexual health clinics. See a GP or sexual health service for a flu-like illness with rash, fever and swollen glands some weeks after a possible exposure, which can indicate recent infection.
Where this comes from
- NHS — HIV and AIDS
- Terrence Higgins Trust — PrEP and PEP
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
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