Starting your HIV journey

STARTING YOUR HIV JOURNEY

BEING DIAGNOSED WITH HIV CAN BE DIFFICULT, BUT WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU’RE NOT ALONE.

There is a strong network ready and waiting to support you on your HIV journey. From your healthcare team and the wider HIV community to trusted friends and family, there’s a wealth of expertise, experience and friendship to empower you to live the life you want.

For many people living with HIV, the path to living well starts with understanding the facts, the importance of treatment and what Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) truly means.

In this section, you’ll find key facts about HIV and the importance of looking after your physical and mental health to help you get off on the right foot in your HIV journey.

Learn all about the diagnosis of HIV, including what HIV testing involves, understanding HIV test results and dealing with an HIV diagnosis.

Living with HIV has changed. Thanks to innovations in antiretroviral treatment (ART), HIV is now a manageable long-term health condition.1 Read on to discover useful information, resources, and where to find support.

There’s no right or wrong way to respond to an HIV diagnosis. It can spark a whole range of emotions: shock, anger, sadness, and everything in between. But remember, you’re not alone.

For people living with HIV, disclosing your status can be a great way to boost your confidence, improve your support network and help you feel more in control of your condition.

References:

  1. National Health Service. HIV and AIDS. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/. [Accessed September 2021]