HIV
In this section of the website we are going to look at HIV testing and services for people who are already diagnose positive. If you would like to skip to local services for positive people click here.
Testing Times
Thinking about taking an HIV test can be a very stressful time for many. You need to be sure that a test is the right thing for you at this time. HIV testing is available at Mid Hampshire sexual health clinics (GUM) and is offered as a standard procedure for all new clinic attendees. If you are pregnant you will also be offered a test as part of your ante-natal care. If you feel uncomfortable about using sexual health services you can also request an HIV test at your GP, but if you are going to do this please remember that the consultants and health advisors at sexual health clinics are much more used to HIV testing and may be able to answer more of your than your GP.
An HIV test is a small blood test, which looks for HIV antibodies in your blood. The antibodies are your body’s response to the virus and not the virus itself. If you have a positive test result you will have to have more tests which look at viral load (how much virus you have got in your body) and CD4 count (how many fighting cells you have got.) It takes your body up to 12 weeks to make the antibodies to the HIV virus after infection so it is recommended that if you think you have been exposed to HIV you wait 3months (12 weeks) before you have a HIV test. It would also be important to practice safer sex during this time until you receive your test result.
If you have almost certainly been exposed to HIV you can access PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis). This is a combination of drugs, which can help you to fight HIV after a risky exposure. PEP must be started as soon possible after unsafe sex or a condom has failed and definitely within 72 hours (3 days). It has side effects, isn’t guaranteed to work and involves taking anti-HIV drugs for 4 weeks, but it could stop someone getting HIV. For more information about PEP and how to access it please see www.pep.chapsonline.org.uk or contact your local sexual health clinic.
Many people worry that if they have a HIV test it will affect their chances of getting travel or health insurance. This is not the case. Insurance companies can only ask about positive test results so if you have had a HIV test which came back negative insurers cannot be given this information.
If you are unsure about why you should take a HIV test or would like to talk to someone confidentially about HIV prevention or sexual health you can talk to the health advisor at your local sexual health clinic.
Positive About Being Positive
Finding out that you have got a positive HIV diagnosis can be a very stressful and difficult time. You may have many unanswered questions in your head and you may not have understood some of the things that were said to you by the health advisor or doctor when they told you about your diagnosis. Some of the language used around HIV is quite medical and takes time to get used to.
Positive Action
Tel: 01252 345019
Positive Action offers a range of support services including information and advice, massage, complimentary therapies, counselling, one to one support with a range of specialists, group sessions and drop in services.
An outreach service is provided in Portsmouth City on a fortnightly basis from the premises of a partnership organisation. All services are available to Portsmouth clients through outreach drop-in sessions, one-to-one with the Outreach Facilitator or via the centre in Aldershot. In order to maintain client confidentiality the location is only shared on a need-to-know basis. The venue can be easily accessed by public transport and has adequate parking available nearby.
Alternate Tuesday : Drop-in 4 – 7pm
Other times By appointment only
The Ribbons Centre
Tel: 023 8022 5511
The Ribbons Centre is based in Southampton and offers a range of support services for the positive community. They hold regular drop in sessions as well as offering complimentary therapies, counselling, group sessions and one to one support.