Testing for HIV

The modern phenomenon HIV/Aids became evident and has led to the deaths of more than 25 million people since it was first recognized in 1981, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. HIV is a retro virus which can lead to Aids in which the immune system begins to fail leading to life-threatening infections we ordinarily would be able to fight naturally.

Infection with HIV occurs through the transfer of blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, and breast milk and it is vital that anyone who may have been exposed is tested for the infection in order that antiretroviral treatment can be administered. The test for the infection can be quick and simple and with a blood test and other methods a result is possible within 60 seconds. There are many testing centres in London, which because of its cosmopolitan and changing society has a greater number of sufferers than other parts of the country. Mothers are at high risk but proper management can reduce the risk of transmission of passing this virus on to her child.