HIV and AIDS
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This virus attacks the immune system and weakens the body’s ability to fight infections and disease.
How do you catch HIV?
HIV is spread by sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal and sometimes even oral sex.
How to avoid HIV
The main ways to prevent HIV infection are to reduce the risk of exposure by using a condom when you have sex and not share needles and other equipment used for injecting drugs.
Symptoms of HIV
Not everybody with HIV shows signs or symptoms of the infection. When first infected, some people may experience flu-like symptoms .
Testing and treatment
The only way to find out if you have HIV is to have an HIV test. There is no cure for HIV but it is treatable
PrEP information
Umbrella is now offering PrEP funded by the NHS, with a combination tablet of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine.
PEPSE
PEPSE is a type of medication that can be taken up to 72 hours after exposure to HIV to stop you becoming infected.
Informing partner(s) of HIV
If you find out you have HIV, it's important to let your partner(s) know. We can help.
HIV FAQs
Still want to know more about HIV? Try our frequently asked questions.
FREE STI kit
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Free condoms
Condoms are available for free from Umbrella
clinics and pharmacies, and from some GPs.
