December 1st is World Aids Day. Do yourself and everyone you love a favour, get tested!

Go to the Terrence Higgins Trust's site to find out all about HIV testing

You can also call them on 0845 1221 200 or email them at info@tht.org.uk if you have any questions.

We follow two individuals, one American and one from Zambia, as they explain the complicated layer that HIV adds to their everyday lifestyle choices, like dating, work and travel. 

This film offers a firsthand look into what it's really like to be young and HIV positive in 2010, delivering crucial and eye opening messages.

Information About HIV And Safe Sex

Did you know:
•    Every 12 seconds someone is newly infected with HIV
•    80% of all HIV transmission is sexual
•    60% of people living with HIV don’t know they’re infected
•    People aged 15-24 account for 40% of new HIV infections worldwide
•    There are 33million people living with HIV globally
•    HIV is transmitted through blood, sexual fluids and mother to child
•    HIV is not transmitted through tears, sweat, saliva or mosquitoes

If you’re having sex the only way to protect yourself from HIV is to use a condom each and every time. No other form of contraception protects against HIV and other STIs. Unprotected anal and vaginal sex can both transmit HIV if one partner is HIV+. Unprotected oral sex also carries a risk, but this risk is significantly lower.

Testing Information

Should you take a test?
Everyone should regularly get tested for HIV, however if you’ve put yourself at risk by having unprotected sex or sharing needles then you should take one as soon as possible.

Are you ready to get tested?
Taking a HIV test is like taking any other medical test - it can be a difficult and stressful experience. If it is something you don’t feel comfortable doing on your own we recommend confiding in a friend or a member of your family and asking them to accompany you. When you go for a test there will be a professional counselor who is trained to talk you through the process. The counselor will be able to provide the relevant support if you test positive along with information. If you test negative they will advise you on how you can reduce your risk of infection in the future.

The test
There are a number of different HIV tests available but the most common type of test is the antibody test – it’s quick and easy and very reliable, and in some clinics you can get your result in just 15 minutes (known as a rapid HIV test).
It is recommended that if you have put yourself at possible risk of HIV infection you should wait 12 weeks (3 months) before taking a test. This allows for the most accurate result. However we know how hard it can be to wait, and in some clinics there are tests available that allow for accurate testing before 12 weeks have passed. You should speak to your doctor or local HIV clinic about the different options available to you.