Raising awareness of HIV and AIDS

Take a HIV test

HIV is a viral infection. It can be transmitted:

• through sexual contact
• through sharing needles and syringes
• from mother to child before or during birth, or by breastfeeding

Many people living with HIV have no obvious signs or symptoms. The only way of knowing if you have the virus is by taking a HIV test. 

Don't delay seeking advice and take this test if you feel you have been at risk. 

You can get a home testing kit for HIV and sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), which is completely free, discreet and confidential.

Kits can be ordered at this link:

•  Sexual health 24 hours a day(external link opens in a new window / tab)

You can also get tested at a local Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic:

• GUM clinics(external link opens in a new window / tab)

Treatment

People with HIV can live a healthy life if diagnosed early and treated quickly. 

They'll be able to get highly effective treatment, for free.

Someone on this treatment cannot pass HIV to a sexual partner or anyone else. 

You can find out more about on these pages:

• HIV and AIDS
• Information and support for people with HIV and AIDS

A person diagnosed late is more likely to experience health issues.

Sexual health

If you have unprotected sex, you are putting yourself at risk of getting HIV or a sexually-transmitted infection (STI).

You can get information about sexual health and how to protect yourself on the following page:

• Sexual health

More useful links

• Talking to your child about sex and teenage pregnancy
• Your local doctor (GP)
• Sexual health NI(external link opens in a new window / tab)