About HIV
Diagnosis
HIV is not what it used to be. It was historically very different. Medication has progressed over the years, with little to no side effects and you can live a long and healthy life.
You will have lots of questions on first diagnosis, however your HIV consultant and specialist social care team are here to help.
You will be referred by your HIV consultant or you can self-refer to our Social Care Team if Living in Lincolnshire or accessing HIV treatment in Lincolnshire.
Contact Us
People living with HIV in Lincolnshire may be able to access our services, please contact us if you have a positive diagnosis and would like someone to talk with.
HIV Treatment
HIV treatment and medication options have advanced over the years, most people take as little as 1-2 tablets a day. These medications have little to no side effects. They are very effective and generally start to reduce the virus very quickly, with the aim to reduce to virus to an “undetectable” level. Regular monitoring takes place until an undetectable viral load is achieved and then a review is only required 6 monthly.
When on successful treatment and an undetectable viral load is achieved for 6 months, this means you CANNOT pass on the HIV virus. Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) you should be able to maintain an ongoing undetectable viral load as long as you take your medication as directed each day.
HIV medication will likely be recommended to start once a diagnosis is given.
Initial blood tests will determine the level of the virus, also to see how much, if any damage to the immune system (CD4). Commencing treatment will start to control and reduce the virus and prevent any further damage to immune system then allowing this to naturally build up again. Regular reviews of the viral load and CD4 shall be done initially and then ongoing monitoring of the viral load to confirm a consistent undetectable virus.
HIV & Employment
Legalities Around
People who disclose their HIV status to their employer are protected by the Equality Act 2010, for most people there is no legal requirement for them to disclose their status to their employer. The protection from the Equality Act is from your diagnosis. Your HIV status is private, don’t feel pressured or obligated to tell your employer if you don’t want to, unless this is stated essential to do so.
Working in Health Care
If you work as a health care professional, a HIV diagnosis should not affect your job. If you are on HIV medication and have had and undetectable viral load for more than 6 months, then you are unable to pass on the virus and should be able to continue your job with no issues. If your role requires you to perform ‘exposure-prone-procedures’ (EPP) you may be required by your hospital trust to have a HIV test or share your regular blood results with them. There may be certain criteria you will need to meet in order to undertake this work. To find out more please read Public Health England’s guidance, dated January 2014.
Applying for Jobs
There should be no requirement for an employer to ask about your health at the recruitment stage, this would breach the Equality Act 2010. Once an offer of employment has been made, a prospective employer can ask questions providing it is relevant to the position. This information cannot be used to discriminate against you.
If you are ever unsure about whether or not to disclose your HIV status, always seek some advice from your HIV consultant or relevant professional. For further information please see the National AIDS Trust publication for job applicants living with HIV here.
HIV & Pregnancy
If you are living with HIV and you are thinking about starting a family, your HIV status should not be a barrier. We would always recommend that you talk to your HIV consultant first as there may be things that need putting into place before conception.
Advances in medical treatment means that most people living with HIV can try to conceive naturally. Achieving U = U means that you will not pass HIV onto your partner or your baby providing you follow the steps outlined by your health professionals.
During Pregnancy
If you are already on HIV treatment, your consultant may want to change your medication to a regime which is safer during pregnancy.
Having an undetectable viral load and being on successful HIV treatment helps to block the transmission to your baby during pregnancy.
If you are given a HIV diagnosis during pregnancy, don’t panic! Research has shown that putting the expectant mother onto antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy hugely reduces the risk of transmission.
During & After Birth
Mothers who have and a detectable viral load will usually have delivery by Caesarean. Those with an undetectable viral load should be able to opt for a natural vaginal delivery, this will be discussed throughout your pregnancy journey with your antenatal team.
Most newborns will require a short course of antiretroviral treatment after the birth just as a precaution. This has proven to be safe and effective for the child. Breastfeeding could potentially pose a risk of transmission. As an organisation, we support the U=U message. Science has shown that if you are undetectable then HIV is untransmittable through sex, however, there has not been enough research surrounding breastfeeding your baby as safe to do so. We would always recommend that you bottle feed your baby to ensure there is no risk of transmission, even if you are undetectable. Unless on a controlled program to do so.
After your baby has been born the doctors will usually do four tests for HIV:
• Just after birth
• At six weeks
• At twelve weeks
• At eighteen months.
Provided these are all negative and your baby has not been breastfed, then you can be confident that your baby is HIV negative.