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    1. Home
    2. News

    Raising awareness of HIV and AIDS

    Date published: 01 December 2024

    Get tested quickly if you think you've been at risk of HIV, as early diagnosis and treatment is important. If you're on effective treatment for HIV you can't pass it on.

    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

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

    • GUM clinics

    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
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    Email dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk

    Employment and Support Allowance

    Call 0800 587 1377

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    Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

    Personal Independence Payment

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