29/01/2026
National HIV Testing Week
National HIV testing week is from Monday 9th February. This is a time to raise awareness about HIV and the importance of knowing your status through testing.
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. It can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) related illnesses if left untreated.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV can be passed on…
through s*x
by sharing needles
to the baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding
It cannot be passed through everyday contact such as hugging, kissing, shaking hands, living together, or sharing food, cups, towels, showers or swimming pools.
How can you prevent getting HIV?
You can lower your risk of getting HIV by
Using condoms
Avoiding sharing needles or other injecting equipment
Using PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – a medication that protects against HIV) if you are at high risk
Taking PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis – medication taken within 72 hours of high-risk unprotected s*x
Treatment
There is no cure for HIV right now, but taking daily medicine called antiretroviral therapy (ART) can keep the virus under control and protect your immune system. With treatment, HIV can become so low in your blood that tests cannot find it. This is called being undetectable. When HIV is undetectable, you stay healthy and cannot pass the virus to your s*xual partners.
Most people in the UK living with HIV are taking effective antiretroviral treatment and cannot pass it on.
Get Tested
Get your FREE test now https://notts-hivtestweek.sh.uk/
Or
Contact Sexual Health Service Nottingham & Nottinghamshire service on 0300 131 7010 or on the website Sexual Health Services Nottingham and Nottinghamshire