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HIV and AIDS

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that eventually leads to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) if left untreated. The virus affects the immune system and in effect weakens its ability to fight infections. This is called immunosuppression and makes people vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain types of cancer.

It is mainly spread by unprotected sex such as anal or vaginal intercourse, and blood transmission (sharing needles, etc). It can also be passed on through oral sex, although it is unclear just how risky oral sex is. HIV and AIDS cannot be contracted by kissing, sharing utensils, touching, frottage, etc.

The number of people in the UK with HIV by the end of 2005, was an estimated 63,500 adults. It is estimated that over 30% of these people are not aware they are infected. In addition  a survey by the HIV charity THT, recently found that 1 in 7 gay men in London is HIV positive (Source: Gay Men’s Sexual Health Survey 2009).

“According to www.avert.org, as of December 2010, there have been 26,791 diagnoses of AIDS in the UK, and 19,912 people diagnosed with HIV have died. “

If you are concerned about HIV or AIDS or want a confidential consultation, please contact our doctor at samedaydoctor, Canary Wharf.

Symptoms

It is possible for someone with the HIV virus to have no HIV symptoms for many years, before becoming unwell. The only way to know if you are HIV positive is by testing for the virus. About 80% of people might get mild viral symptoms 2-4 weeks after exposure to the virus.

These symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Myalgia
  • Sore throat
  • Headache

Often the HIV symptoms are missed because the symptoms can be transient and minor.

These are very general symptoms and it does not automatically mean that if you exhibit these symptoms after sex that it is  going to be HIV. It is important to consider whether you have been exposed in any way and if you are worried that the encounter was risky, discuss your concerns with a doctor rather than sitting at home worrying about it.

When people with the virus start developing many opportunistic infections, or their CD4 count (a measure of the strength of the immune system) drops below 200, they are diagnosed as having AIDS. It is very important to note that whilst HIV cannot be cured, HIV positive people can now live a long and productive life, as long as they are on the correct treatment and adhere to it.

The key to treating HIV successfully, is in being diagnosed and treated early, before the virus undermines the immune system too much.

Diagnosis

We offer several different tests for HIV at samedaydoctor Canary Wharf.

MultiPlex test – from 10 days post exposure:

We are happy to offer this highly sensitive test to our patients. The test can be done from as early as 10 days after an exposure. In addition to HIV, the test also checks for hepatitis B and hepatitis C, two highly infectious diseases. As this is a highly specialized test the results take up to 5 working days. This test will give you some peace of mind if you are very worried, but it is still recommended to do a follow up test at one month (HDuo) or a 3-month Insti HIV test.

HIVDuo test –  from 28 days post exposure:

This is an extremely accurate test that checks for both your body’s response to HIV (antibodies) as well as for the p24 antigen, a marker for HIV. It can be done as soon as 28 days after exposure. If you have the HIV test done before 2 pm we can usually get it back later the same afternoon (except on weekends).

Our very competent laboratory in Central London performs the 2 tests mentioned above. If any of the results come back as positive, it will automatically be sent for confirmatory testing free of charge.

INSTI™/Onsite test – from 12 weeks post exposure

This HIV test is very accurate, but if you want to know about a particular exposure, you need to wait for 12 weeks before doing this test.The test involves us taking a sample of your blood either by finger prick or by taking blood from your arm and then testing it there and then. The result is available in a few minutes.

Testing and diagnosis is ALWAYS confidential at samedaydoctor Canary Wharf.

Treatment

In the event of a positive result we would offer support and refer to an appropriate NHS HIV clinic or if you prefer, to one of your private HIV specialists.

Treatment initially is just supportive and would include regular blood tests to check your immune status. If your immune system (CD4 count) drops below a certain level or if you develop opportunistic infections, treatment will be started with antiretrovirals. The aim is to suppress the amount of virus to undetectable levels and therefore control the disease and keep you healthy.

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

If you have had a possible exposure, especially if the other person is HIV positive, it is vital that you seek medical attention at once. This is so you can be assessed for PEP (post exposure prophylaxis).

Attend your local GUM clinic or A&E if out of hours. A doctor will assess the risk and  based on that decide whether to start you on a months worth of antiretrovirals, (HIV medication), to try and keep you from developing an established HIV infection. These medications have to be started as soon a possible, and in any case no more than 72 hours after the exposure.

If you are concerned about HIV or AIDS or want a confidential consultation, please call 0845 372 9990 or make an appointment with our doctor.

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