By Fungai Murau, Health Inequalities Lead, Equity Diversity and Inclusion at Terrence Higgins Trust
People living with HIV on effective treatment can live a healthy and fulfilling life. For many, their life expectancy is the same as people without it. They also can’t pass HIVon to other people and are able to have children free from HIV.
Everyone should test for HIV because anyone can be affected by it.The trauma and devastation of people losing loved ones at the beginning of the HIV epidemic has made it a lot more difficult to talk openly about HIV, especially in migrant communities from African, Caribbean and Asian backgrounds.
We often hear horror stories about HIV – but it’s vital to know that HIV has changed. A diagnosis doesn’t have to stop you from achieving anything you want to.
The truth is we should look at HIV as we would any other health condition. We know how important it is to look after our health and HIV shouldn’t be an exception.
You should test for HIV every time you have sex with someone, or in situations where you think you could have been exposed to HIV. If you receive a positive diagnosis you can start HIV treatment immediately to keep healthy and carry on with life as normal.
The treatment supresses the level of HIV in the body to an undetectable level which means it can’t be passed on to others – this is known widely as undetectable=untransmittable (U=U). This means HIV doesn’t have to be a barrier to dating, working or starting a family. Once you’re undetectable, you’ll be supported to deliver your baby in any way you want, and to breast feed if that’s the choice you’d like to make.
Testing might seem scary, but it’s always better to know. If you know you have HIV, you can do something about it and it’s much less likely to have a negative impact on the length of your life.
Some HIV tests come back negative, but if it doesn’t, treatment is free and you’ll be able to access support to help you come to terms with the change and be supported through this journey. There’s also no rush to tell your family and friends about your diagnosis. If you are worried about how your loved ones will react, there is confidential support out there from HIV organisations and support groups.
To anyone reading this, I urge you to test. HIV doesn’t have to stand in the way of you living your life – but the first step is taking a test.
Order your free HIV test
Testing for HIV is now quick and easy. You can do it at home by ordering a free test kit now from startswithme.org.uk which will be posted through your door in plain packaging.
If you have any questions, you can contact Terrence Higgins Trust in confidence via 0808 802 1221 or tht.org.uk/thtdirect
