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Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Treatment as Prevention HIV Testing Where to get tested Condom Use Education and AwarenessThere are various methods people can use to prevent HIV.
People can use tools which suit their needs based on their HIV status, current relationship, the type of sex they are having, their finances and lifestyle. We can stop HIV by using at least one prevention method.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis):
PrEP is a way of preventing HIV infection by taking a pill either on an ongoing basis or before sex and continued after sex. It’s taken by someone who doesn’t have HIV, to prevent them from getting HIV. The PrEP pill is an antiretroviral drug – the same type of pill taken by someone who already has HIV to treat HIV.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis):
PEP is a course of HIV medication that you take if you have been at risk of HIV infection within 72 hours (three days). It may prevent you from becoming infected with HIV.
The best place to get PEP is a sexual health clinic. If you need PEP over the weekend or outside office hours, when clinics may be closed, the best place to go to is an accident and emergency department.
TasP (Treatment as Prevention):
People living with HIV who are taking effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) have an undetectable viral load. This means that the HIV treatment has effectively reduced the virus to an amount that is so small it cannot be quantified. When a person is undetectable this is good for their own health and it also means that there is too little of the virus in sexual fluids for it to be transmitted.
HIV testing:
It’s never been easier to get an HIV test and to get a result quickly. You can test in person at:
- A sexual health clinic,
- An HIV testing centre
- A GP / family doctor
You can also order tests online, with free and paid-for options. Many tests will provide you with a result in a just a few minutes. Knowing your HIV status through regular testing helps with early detection, allowing for treatment and preventing further transmission.
At The Brunswick Centre, we offer free, rapid, and confidential HIV testing at drop-in sessions. Click below for more information.
Where to get tested:
At The Brunswick Centre, we offer free, rapid, and confidential HIV testing at drop-in sessions. These sessions are listed here. If you can't get to any, you can phone Anne Glew, on 07703 187 976 or email her on anne@thebrunswickcentre.org.uk
Testing for HIV is quick and easy; all it takes is a finger prick test! Here's a video to show you just how it's done - https://youtu.be/pz2UltTV4wk?si=k2P6Zs5PC3Z0cvL7
Here are some places you can go for a HIV test, in Calderdale and Kirklees:
Calderdale:
Sexual Health Calderdale (Broad Street Plaza)
- Address: Broad Street Plaza, Halifax, HX1 1YQ
- Website: sexualhealth.cht.nhs.uk
- Phone: 01422 261370
Kirklees:
- Princess Royal Community Health Centre (Huddersfield)
- Address: Greenhead Road, Huddersfield, HD1 4EW
- Website: locala.org.uk/services/sexual-health/kirklees
- Phone: 0303 330 9141
- Dewsbury Health Centre
- Address: Wellington Rd, Dewsbury, WF13 1HN
- Website: locala.org.uk/services/sexual-health/kirklees
- Phone: 0303 330 9141
Condom use:
When used correctly each time you have sex, condoms are the best protection against STIs and HIV when having vaginal/frontal, anal or oral sex. The important thing is to use condoms correctly and consistently.
At The Brunswick Centre, we supply condoms and lube to communities at increased risk of HIV infection. Click below for more information.
Education and awareness:
Promoting awareness, safe-sex practices and understanding of how HIV is transmitted is vital for preventing the spread of the virus and reducing stigma on individuals. When communities understand HIV, they’re better equipped to support those affected, advocate for resources and challenge harmful stereotypes.