What to do if you test positive for HIV
What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that affects the immune system and is passed on through certain body fluids, such as blood or sexual contact. With modern treatment, people living with HIV can stay healthy and live long, normal lives.
What does a reactive HIV screening result mean?
Your HIV screening test has shown a reactive result. This does not mean you definitely have HIV. Screening tests are designed to be very sensitive so they can detect very early infections. Because of this, they can sometimes react to other antibodies in your blood, leading to a result that appears positive when there is no HIV infection.
For many people, especially when the reaction is very low, the result is likely to be negative, but a repeat test is needed to confirm this. Many people who are asked to have further testing are later found not to have HIV.
Why do I need a repeat test at a sexual health clinic?
HIV screening tests are not diagnostic, so any reactive result must be confirmed with specialist testing. This is best done at a sexual health clinic, where confirmatory tests are routinely available.
If the repeat test confirms HIV, the clinic team will support you straight away. HIV treatment in the UK is highly effective, and people diagnosed early can expect to live long, healthy lives.
If you’ve been advised to attend a sexual health clinic, we recommend doing so as soon as you feel able, so you can receive clear and definite answers and the right support.
What to do next:
- Contact a sexual health clinic to arrange a test. You can use the tool below to find nearby services: Find a sexual health clinic - NHS
- If confirmed, effective treatment is available. Although there is currently no cure for HIV, treatment is now very effective.
- Modern HIV treatment allows people to live long, healthy lives, and when treatment is taken correctly, it suppresses the virus so it is undetectable in the blood, making it untransmissible to other people.
For further information: HIV and AIDS - NHS
For further support, please contact our clinical team: [email protected]