How do you know if you have HIV

A few weeks after first becoming infected, some people will experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, aches and pains, tiredness, swollen glands or a sore throat. Because lots of other common illnesses share these symptoms, many people don’t associate them with the possibility of an HIV infection. After a few weeks, the symptoms will usually disappear and it’s not uncommon to then have no further symptoms for an extended period. However, the virus will still be doing damage to the immune system and will eventually make a person ill.

If you do notice these symptoms a few weeks after you think you may have been exposed to HIV it is critical to get tested straight away.

It’s also important to note that not everybody will experience symptoms and that many who do will not associate them with HIV, so if you think you have been at risk of contracting HIV you should get tested even if you have no symptoms. Getting tested can give you peace of mind and if you are positive, an early diagnosis will allow you to take control of your health.

The only way to be certain of your HIV status is to get an HIV test. See our HIV testing page for ways to get tested in Berkshire.