HIV
HIV is a manageable long-term condition with effective treatments
Effective treatment allowing individuals to lead long and healthy lives.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in minimizing complications and transmission risks.
Although treatable, HIV still has significant stigma that hinders testing and people’s understanding. Mission Zero’s aim is to address these barriers, providing information on testing, treatment, and support services.
Early diagnosis alongside effective treatment results in a life expectancy for people living with HIV similar to that of individuals without HIV. Comprehensive support is available for those newly diagnosed, ensuring access to treatment and coping mechanisms.
Treatment provided aims to reduce viral load, reverse immune system damage, prevent further deterioration, and minimise transmission risks during sex.
HIV Prevention
HIV spreads through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, breast milk and vaginal fluids. Unprotected sex and needle-sharing pose significant transmission risks.
What is PrEP?
PrEP is a drug taken by HIV-negative people before and after sex that reduces the risk of getting HIV.
Did you know PrEP is now available free on the NHS in England from sexual health clinics?
What is PEP?
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) is a treatment that can stop an HIV infection after the virus has entered a person’s body. It must be taken as soon as possible after exposure but within 72 hours.
PEP is available on the NHS for free, but is only given to people who meet guidelines about its use. The best place to get PEP is a sexual health clinic.
If PEP is needed over the weekend or outside office hours, when clinics may be closed, the best place to go to is an accident and emergency department.
HIV Testing
Accessible HIV testing is pivotal in knowing your status.
The way an HIV test works is by detecting HIV antibodies or proteins in your blood. After exposure to HIV, there is a certain time period when HIV tests are not able to detect HIV as there aren’t yet enough HIV antibodies or proteins. This is called a window period. Window periods vary according to which test is used and can be between 4 and 12 weeks.
You can have HIV without knowing, as symptoms are not always present. An HIV test can put your mind at ease and reduce the anxiety of not knowing.
Testing is quick and easy. There are various confidential and free testing methods available, including intravenous blood tests, rapid finger prick tests, and low-cost self-tests.
Testing and screening are taking place across Calderdale as part of Mission Zero!
HIV Treatment
The goal of HIV treatment is undetectable viral load. This simply means there's no more risk of transmission or progression to late-stage HIV.
HIV medication reduces your viral load to undetectable levels. Once you’re undetectable, you can’t pass HIV on and your health is protected.
Treatment guidelines recommend that everyone with HIV starts treatment right away. When you’re on effective treatment and your viral load is undetectable, you cannot pass on HIV
What is U=U?
U=U quite simply means that people living with HIV with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV sexually.
When a person is living with HIV and is on effective treatment, it lowers the level of HIV (the viral load) in the blood. When the levels are extremely low (below 200 copies/ml of blood measured) it is referred to as an undetectable viral load.
U=U is a key message supported by numerous health groups and organisations worldwide, including the World Health Organization.