PrEP My Thoughts??

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way for people who do not have HIV but who are at substantial risk of getting it to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. The pill (brand name Truvada) contains two medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine) that are used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection.
When taken consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up to 92%. PrEP is much less effective if it is not taken consistently.
PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection than when used alone. But people who use PrEP must commit to taking the drug every day and seeing their health care provider for follow-up every 3 months.

Such a touchy subject as some people have very strong views why this is a good thing and on the other hand some people don't find this a good thing, I'm kind of on the fence, although i find it pretty amazing how far we have come to helping HIV. I'm a very big believer that we ARE going to find a cure, but one thing I've recently been faced with on social media and the news, is that people are trying to make PrEP a free prescription, and this is where i disagree infacr in all seriousness it disgusts me the entire thought that it should be free!!, maybe I'm speaking completely out of term, everyone should have the right to the medication they need, but if you are hiv negative this medication is not needed what so ever, go buy a condom, maybe I'm wrong but surely to god by giving people free medication so they don't catch hiv is a massive waste of money, especially when you travel the world and see children growing up with HIV living on their own because they lost their parents to hiv, and they cannot get the right medication to help because they cannot afford it, does this not make you think!!!! Some people cant even afford any type of protection, i live in England and condoms are free in and G.U clinic.
Personally i find it really selfish that people expect the government to pay for you to be stupid when the money can go to help people who really need it, think about it just wear a fucking condom or pay for the medication yourself, maybe I'm bitter because i didn't have that choice before i was diagnosed HIV positive, but one thing i will say if i had the choice to pay for my medication and save one person dying from HIV, i sure as hell would rather pay for my medication....... 

Hate me or agree this is my opinion and i 100% stand behind my opinion

FUDGE CLEAN BLONDE VIOLET TONING

Fudge Clean Blonde Violet Toning Shampoo & Conditioner 1000ml

So i saw these products on feel unique and i get on really well with the paler shade of white from Fudge so i thought i'd try these products, and i've got to say they are really good, smell texture cant go wrong one thing i found about 'purple' shampoo's are that they seem to dry my hair out really bad, and one thing i've found about the fudge one's are that they do the totally opposite 10/10 here's what fudge say they do.

Fudge formula designed to tackle the unwanted brassy tone commonly experienced with hair that has been dyed blonde.

Shampoo:

Coloured blonde hair can occasionally take on an unwanted yellow, brassy tone. Fudge Clean Blonde Violet Toning Shampoo balances out the yellow tones from the hair, and leaves hair hydrated and replenished. 

Conditioner:

 Fudge Clean Blonde Violet Toning Conditioner works to help balance out the yellow tones from the hair, leaving it hydrated and replenished. 

Shampoo

Conditioner

 

ANDREW BARTON THE ULTIMATE BLONDE

THE ULTIMATE BLONDE COLLECTION

Specifically formulated with active ingredients for blonde hair types (whether natural or bottle blonde) these salon formulations boost blonde hair shades, gently cleansing and deeply conditioning to add gorgeous natural shine. Featuring a stunning refreshing fresh lemonade fragrance.

So thought I'd try this product as I spend 90% of my time in asda which is this is exclusively sold here, and I always see it, lately my hair has become dry so thought why not, I was looking forward to the end result, which unfortunatly I was majorly disappointed if anything my hair feels even worse did exact what it said on the packet except use the full packet as I have short hair I saved enough for another day, after washing it off after 3 minutes realising it didn't work, I tried it again for 10mins, after washing it off it was a little softer but I kinda realised to actually notice a difference I would have to leave it for atleast 24hrs maybe not! Really disappointed or maybe I expected too much 3/10 won't be trying any more of the Andrew Barton range unfortinatley :(

TRIED, TESTED AND AFFORDABLE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS GIFTS

TRIED, TESTED AND AFFORDABLE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS GIFTS

It's that time of year where we all struggle to find that perfect gift for people, if your friends and families are like mine they don't expect extravagance after its the thought what counts, I've always found gift shopping quite easy. One easy way to impress and save money is buy small, what I mean by that is why buy someone big on cosmetics? Let's say you spend a fair bit of money on a big bottle of moisturiser, then you send it and the person you sent it to try's it and it doesn't agree or they don't like it, here's what I do I buy the miniatures Like travel sizes because that way people can test things out and if they like them they can purchase the bigger products, well here's a few idea's which I've tried and found that they are worth what you pay.

Moroccanoil Hydrating Essentials Mini Kit

Worth £34.10, this Moroccanoil Hydrating Essentials Mini Kit contains:

- Moroccanoil Treatment 25ml
An ultra-light formula which is absorbed by the hair instantly, resulting in a natural, silky finish and brilliant shine without leaving a residue.

- Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask 75ml
This mask does not need heat to be activated; only 5 to 7 minutes will treat hair with much needed moisture and protein, adding elasticity and shine. This highly effective mask revitalises and hydrates hair, restoring shine and manageability.

- Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo 70ml
Features a gentle, moisturising formula that infuses dehydrated hair with antioxidant-rich argan oil, Vitamins A and E, red algae and other replenishing nutrients. Hair looks and feels healthier, with increased manageability and shine.

- Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner 70ml
Features a gentle, moisturising formula that infuses dehydrated hair with antioxidant-rich argan oil, Vitamins A and E, red algae and other replenishing nutrients. Hair looks and feels healthier, with increased manageability and shine.

£21.00 BUY HERE

L'Occitane Provencal Harvest Collection

This L'Occitane Provencal Harvest Collection contains:

- L'Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath 100ml
Formulated with a vegetal cleansing base, L'Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath leaves the skin clean and supple. The A.O.C. lavender essential oil from Haute-Provence has calming and soothing properties and its subtle and unique scent delicately perfumes the water. Only a small amount of product is needed to create a bath full of bubbles and to sweep away the cares of the day.

- L'Occitane Ultra Rich Shower Cream 50ml
A delicate and generous shower cream that gently cleanses the body and hair while preserving their natural balance. Its possesses a creamy texture and detergent-free formula, with a high percentage of 5% of nourishing shea butter, naturally exotic coconut and soy proteins as its foaming base.

- L'Occitane Verbena Shower Gel 75ml
A shower gel with an irresistible scent that will change your shower into a genuine moment of pleasure.

- L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream 10ml
A super-smoothing - and best-selling - synergy of 20% Shea Butter, honey and sweet almond extract, blended with the light and alluring aromas of jasmine and ylang-ylang essences. Texturally pleasing balm glides on and absorbs to help heal and protect dry or dehydrated skin. Anti-oxidising vitamin E helps nourish. Invites even the most hard-working hands to a fresh beginning.

- L'Occitane Shea Butter Verbena Extra Gentle Soap 50g
Formulated with a 100% vegetable base and enriched with nourishing Shea Butter.

£18.00 BUY HERE

TIGI Bed Head Party Girl Gift Set

Let your hair loose. For smooth hair and intense shine with a flexible, moveable hold. The ultimate quick fix party kit.

This TIGI Bed Head Party Girl Gift Set is worth £45.85 and contains:

- TIGI Bed Head After Party 100ml
A smoothing cream that controls funky fly-aways to silk-ify hair. The perfect party favour for our frizz prone friends.

- TIGI Bed Head Headrush Shine Spray 200ml
Super fine shine spray that will go straight to your head. This lightweight mist gives your hair extreme gloss with all-over coverage.

- TIGI Bed Head Masterpiece Hairspray 340ml
Turn your hair into a work of art that lasts all day! Massive shine, serious hold. Voila!

£23.50 BUY HERE

Real Techniques Core Collection Kit

Sam's easy method to creating a perfect canvas. This core collection of coverage essentials helps you easily achieve a high-definition complexion from start to finish.

Sunday Times Style Awards 2014 Winner.

Create a perfect canvas with this collection of coverage essentials:
- Detailer brush: precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition
- Pointed foundation brush: Use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage
- Buffing brush: ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation
- Contour brush: delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish

- Panoramic brush case is a 2-in-1 case + stand
- Look pixel-perfect even in harsh light
- Ultra-plush, synthetic taklon bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free
- Extended aluminum handles are light and easy to use

£20.99 BUY HERE

Alpha H Clear Skin Perfection

Alpha H Clear Skin Collection is a complete 3 step program for blemish prone skin of all ages. Fight acne with this 3 piece collection which gives you a complete day and night system for acne free skin. Featuring travel sizes of Clear Skin Facial Wash, Clear Skin Hydrator Gel and Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel, this set allows to you trial the products and take them with you wherever you are. Suitable for all ages from pubescent to post-menopausal, this system targets active acne whilst also treating the underlying build up of excess oil and dead skin that can cause breakouts. With regular use, skin is noticeably clearer, fresher and healthier.

£29.95 BUY HERE

VMV Hypoallergenics Hydra Balance Collection

VMV Hypoallergenics Superskin Starts Here Hydra Balance Collection is a luxurious skincare trio for combination skin types.

Featuring a cleanser, toner and moisturiser which have been formulated specifically for the concerns of combination complexions, Superskin Starts Here Hydra Balance Collection enhances the moisture balance of the skin and provides rich hydration and shine reduction where your skin needs it the most.

Utilising high performance ingredients such as Coconut derived Monolaurin and Glycerin, Superskin Starts Here Hydra Balance Collection helps to combat acne and prevent breakouts whilst soothing dryness and hypersensitivity.

Did you know? Superskin Starts Here Hydra Balance Collection is free from Parabens, Fragrances, Dyes and common allergens.

Collection Contains:

• Hydra Balance Smart Cleansing Scrub 28ml – A moisture balancing cleansing scrub which deeply cleanses combination skin types and clears the pores. Monoluarin combats acne and controls shine whilst natural Pumice softens and hydrates the skin as it removes dead skin cells to reveal a bright, healthy and radiant complexion.
• Superskin 2 Monolaurin + Mandelic Acid Toner 48ml - A daily toner for combination skin types which has been specially formulated to control acne, firm, mattify and deeply cleanse and tone the skin. Superskin 2 Monolaurin + Mandelic Acid Toner provides well balanced therapy for combination complexions and is enriched with Mandelic Acid, an impressive AHA which brightens the skin whilst Coconut derived antibacterial Monolaurin combats breakouts and helps to maintain healthy moisture levels.
• Hydra Balance Smart Moisturizer 28ml - Specially formulated to moisturise dry areas of the skin without adding shine or clogging pores, Hydra Balance Smart Moisturizer has a hypoallergenic formula which is free from 76 common allergens and is free from Fragrances, Dyes and Parabens. This innovative moisturiser provides intense hydration where the skin needs it the most and is enriched with Virgin Coconut Oil which nurtures the skin with essential fatty acids. A blend of Glycerin and acne fighting Coconut derived Monolaurin keep the skin soft and clear whilst SPF 15 protects against UV damage. Hydra Balance Smart Moisturizer leaves combination skin visibly radiant, hydrated and silky soft whilst shine is eliminated and pores are kept clear and healthy.

£26.95 BUY HERE

Lab Series Tech Trio Set

Lab Series Tech Trio Set

This skincare simplified set is the perfect gift for a man looking for high tech, high performance skincare.

A great value set offering a clean, shave, treat regime.

Including best sellers Multi Action Face Wash 100ml, Shave Cream 100ml, and Daily Moisture Defense Lotion 50ml. High Tech. High Performance.

£35.50 BUY HERE

Bulldog Expert Skincare Set

It’s time to sort the problems with your face. The Bulldog Expert Skincare Set is man’s best friend, featuring four must-have skincare essentials inside a reusable tin, making it an ideal gift this Christmas.

How can you face your problem if your problem is your face? This Expert Skincare Set isn’t the whole answer, but it’s a start. It features four must-have skincare essentials inside a reusable tin, making it an ideal gift this Christmas. Wash, Scrub, Shave and Moisturise in comfort.

Be loyal to your skin. Our products never contain artificial colours, synthetic fragrances or ingredients from animal sources.

Contains:

Bulldog Original Moisturiser (100ml)

Bulldog Original Face Wash (150ml)

Bulldog Original After Shave Balm (75ml)

Bulldog Original Face Scrub (100ml)

Large rectangular metal tin with black and white photograph of a bulldog on the front

£20 BUY HERE

Cute little stocking fillers

Gin And Tonic Bath Salts

Luxurious bath salts in pretty gold foiled boxes. A perfect stocking filler for somene who deserves some indulgence this christmas. Our bath salts are handmade in Great Britain using the finest sea salt and delicious fragrance.

Each box contains 100g, enough for 4-5 fragrant baths. Simply add a scoop to warm running water to soften and scent the water, the essential ingredients for a truly relaxing bath time.

£5 BUY HERE

Little Bag Of Happiness

The Little Bag of Happiness contains everything one needs to share a bit of happiness! The person receiving it will be overjoyed discovering its contents!

A perfect gift for the person who has everything... because you can never have quite enough happiness!

This Little Bag gift is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries or cheering up gifts, something to say good luck, it will all be okay or even just to say thank you for being my friend.

***PLEASE NOTE:*** Due to popular demand there is a longer than normal lead time on this item. Orders will be processed as soon as possible but may take the full two weeks to be delivered. 

This Bag of Happiness contains...

A plaster to heal you when you hurt, a love heart so you know someone loves you, string to hold it together in tough times, a rubber to erase those little mistakes you make, a diamond to bring a sparkle to your eye, a marble for when you start losing yours, a lucky bean so you always have luck on your side, a coin so you are never completely broke, a star to wish all your wishes upon, a paperclip so you are always organised, and a kiss for when you are feeling down.

The tag pictured is included and has the above text on it.

£5 BUY HERE

Set Of Two Beard Oils

Our beard oil's a multi-purpose miracle worker. Crafted with clean natural ingredients every bottle's free of questionable chemicals often used in the beauty industry.

It truly takes care of everything, from intensely conditioning and moistening, leaving you smooth and nourished.

Our range contains no nasties, plenty of ethics and fabulous ingredients. We use the softening power of wheat and nut oils to coat beard hairs and naturally soften them. This intensely moistening beard conditioner reduces the itching associated with growing a beard and enables you to maintain clean, tangle free growth. The oil should be used daily to keep the beard in optimum condition.

What we love about these beard conditioners is that applying them is easy but the results are awesome.

Choose from the following 24 scents available: bay rum, bergamot, black coffee, cedarwood, driftwood, fresh cut grass, Irish moss, lavender, leather, nag champa, mahogany, oak moss, oak barrel, sandalwood, Sicilian lemon, Spanish orange, steel, tobacco, unscented, race day, rain forest, Rio, rosemary, unscented and walk in the woods.

We are a small family run business located in the beautiful rolling hills of Kent, England. We have been creating and developing small batch artisan and beauty products for many years. We use only the highest quality natural oils and keep our inventory low to ensure the freshest product possible. We love the feedback we get from our local customers.

£13 BUY HERE

This website is full of quirky and cute gifts check it out www.notonthehighstreet.com

I HOPE THESE WHERE A LITTLE HELP TO THAT SPECIAL GIFT AT XMAS PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL WILL HOPEFULLY SOON BE DOING SOME BETTER REVIEWS ON THERE 

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TZUJI

New London based Clothing company by Larry Tee 

Larry Tee

(born October 12, 1959) is a New York City-based DJ, club promoter, and music producer who coined the musical genre term electroclash and helped launch the careers of such artists as RuPaul, Scissor Sisters, to name a few, and has written songs for and collaborated with Afrojack, Shontelle, Princess Superstar, Santigold, RuPaul, Sean Garrett, Steve Aoki, and Amanda lapore. He is currently living in London and running a new label Carnage Music with DJ/producer AttackAttackAttack, working with London artists such as ABSOLUTE., Protia Ferrari, Lady Cartel, Nwando Ibizie and the Serious Thugs. 

TZUJI

In January 2014 he launched his clothing line TZUJI at London Fashion Week. TZUJI, which is primarily extravagant sportswear in outrageous prints and luxurious fabrics, will be available this fall in Asia and throughout Europe.

New York Press credited Tee as ‘a hipster before there were hipsters, a club kid before Michael Alig dismembered  one and a man who made Williamsburg cool again’. The magazine celebrated Tee's electroclash credentials as well as his role in making RuPaul a star in the 90s.

TZUJI IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE CLOTHING OF THE FUTURE

ALL OF THE COLLECTION WAS CLEARLY INSPIRED BY THE CLUB SCENE

ITS VERY URBAN, STREET, FUTURISTIC 

WITH A HINT OF KPOP

AND WITHOUT A DOUBT STYLISH

IF YOU HAVEN'T PURCHASED ANY OF THE COLLECTION ALREADY YOU REALLY NEED TO AS 100% YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED, I WILL ADMIT IM PREACHING WITHOUT ACTUALLY PURCHASING ANY MYSELF BUT I KNOW THAT CLOTHING FROM FASHIONISTA's LIKE LARRY TEE WHO CLEARLY LIVES FOR FASHION THAT THEY ARE GOING TO BE TOP QUALITY CHECK THEM OUT.


SHOP HERE

THE STRANGEST HIV EXPERIENCE

Just as I thought hiv testing week and world AIDS day showed good response from not just us gays but everyone I was mistakingly wrong, So I'm randomly having my Mary time on Grindr like Ya do just seeing who's about when I get this message of someone with no pic obviously, we get chatting he sends me pictures, and arrange to meet like with everyone if they want to meet I tell them my status, I just think why waste time atleast they can say they don't want to meet before we meet instead of telling them after we have met, so anyway his reply was "why are you on here if you are positive" so my reply was well why does that make any difference it's not asif I'm deceiving anyone then he goes on to saying "people find you hot until you tell them your positive then your ugly" so it seems that you can see hiv and it's ugly, well that's news to I always thought hiv was a virus not a look, so I go on to saying do you know much about hiv and my response was outstanding I had to read the message several times for it to sink in, his response was this "you give people hiv which ends up in death"... 

Now please tell me when will the day come that gay people educate them selfs on facts and not hear say, I know the gay scene can be quite hard as many find themselves superior to others, but is it really so hard to not sound dumb, I personally think uneducated people shouldn't be on Grindr not hiv positive folk.......

WORLD AIDS DAY 2014

In a single moment, my life was irreversibly altered. The doctors told me I was hiv positive I had just turned 27, Looking back, what I needed was information, education.

World AIDS Day, observed on 1 December every year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.

As of 2013, AIDS has killed more than 36 million people worldwide (1981-2012), and an estimated 35.3 million people are living with HIV, making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history. Despite recent improved access to antiretroviral treatment in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claims an estimated 2 million lives each year, of which about 270,000 are children.

It has been more than 30 years since the first cases of AIDS were reported in the U.S. HIV is still a reality for more than a million Americans.

The stigma associated with HIV remains extremely high and fear of discrimination causes some Americans to avoid learning their HIV status, disclosing their status, or accessing medical care.

November Favorites

Gilette Mac 3 Turbo Review

Gillette Mach 3 Turbo razor combines Gillette’s 3 Blade Shaving Technology with Anti-Friction blades that gently glide over your. Its pivoting razor head with 10 Microfins follow every contour on your face for outstanding comfort and closeness. A lubricating strip on the razor head gradually fades to white, to indicate when you may be no longer getting an optimal shave.  

I have never had a wet shave in my life always use a electric trimmer, i'm a sucker for good adverts and that is the reason i bought this razor, and i've got to say i was pleasently suprised at how correct the advert is, i actually enjoyed shaving i'm not saying it has converted me and i will be having wet shaves from this day forward but its a good shave if you like the wet shave.

Alpha H Liquid Gold

low pH delivery system to effectively diminish wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage.

The Glycolic based formulation works like an “overnight facial” to brighten and revitalize tired, ageing skin, and radically improve the appearance of the complexion.

For mature, sun damaged, prematurely ageing and for acne-scarred skin

It doesn't hurt to start early, right? without fail this is the best product i have ever put on my skin, this to me is the holy grail of skin products, i generally use it after I've showered and before i sleep followed by my moisturizer, i think you are suppose to use it every other day but i don't i like the way it makes my skin feel so use it daily.

Got2b 2sexy Hairspray

This plumping hairspray gives you that push up you need to flaunt that sexy, show-stopping big volume! Be naughty and big up your style!

I have short hair so it doesn't give me volume, the reason i get this is because it smells divine and just gives enough hold.

TIGI Bed Head Wax Stick

Instantly creates texture and hold.

- Leaves no build-up
- Soft and pliable
- Semi-matte finish. 

I love this, got to be the best hair product ive used, it is pricey and does last along time, infact i love most Bed Head products just cost's too much so tend not to buy it as often as i would like.

Lee Stafford Poker Straight Flat Iron

Straightening irons are essential in achieving a super sexy, straight look - but we are all faced with the possibility of damaged hair. This is your solution: designed to give you smooth, straight, sexy hair without the guilt of damaging it in the process!

I Guess it does what it says on the tin, i'm over stocked on Lee Stafford Products, these are my go too products and smell amazing, i think i'd even buy his perfume if it smelled the same haha.

Energising Vitality Lotion

Re-oxygenating rebalancing vitamin-enriched lotion. Helps stimulate and regenerate skin (Micro-encapsulated native oxygen & vitamin C). Purifies and brightens skin (white lily extract). Helps re plump, moisturize and protect (hyaluronic acid and vitamin E). Perfects skin tone and skin texture. nourishes and improves skin elasticity. Suitable for all skin types including young or sensitive skin

I did come across these products as my cousin sell's them it's abit like (avon) way they are sold but you can buy direct from the website, i really dont use it how its ment to be used, i just spray it on my face just to feel fresh i suppose it will be better in the summer, but either way i like it, there's not relly a scent too it but its good, trust!

Vicks Sinex Decongestant Nasal Spray

As we all know its the flu season :( and yes i was the one who caught the awful bug (a week after i had my flu jab may i add) and no it wasn't man flu i never suffer from flu this is my first time having flu in as long as i can remember, and although i filled my body with as many flu products as possible, it didn't cure me, and i was laid up in bed for 5 days, but this did make life so much easier for me, i heard good reviews on the first defense but considering i was 2 days in i thought it would be pointless, but yeah this stuff really does make life much easier.

Thanks for Reading!!

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HIV/AIDS

Well my blog was intended to be a review blog and all i seem to write about is hiv, but there is a very good reason and i guess im reviewing what i've seen in a way, we all know (at least i hope you know) that its HIV testing week, and the support i see on social media is astounding, maybe it was the same last year i dont know as i was newly diagnosed and HIV things was the last thing i wanted to see. But I've got to say as a gay guy myself i couldn't be more proud to be apart of this world, yes we know there's good and bad with everything but one charity impaticular is showing nothing but love and support Terrence Higgins Trust, although many of you might say who are positive that a charity is doing nothing for you personally (yes I've heard people say this) and maybe they aren't but what they are doing in a whole is truly amazing, more and more people each year seem to be warming up to the word HIV and realizing its not a death sentence and are more willing to get tested. If you don't already please donate to some kind HIV/AIDS charity, i don't work for any charity so I'm not been forced into saying this like some, but i see the good its doing not just for us gays but for the world of HIV/AIDS, also one thing I've noticed with Terrence Higgins Trust on their Facebook page they are working closely with 56 Dean Street if it wasn't for this organization i honestly believe i would be very ill at this moment in time if not worse so many thanks to you guys.

Please give as little or as much as you have to HIV/AIDS charities and see the difference I'm a big believer that there is a cure for HIV and with our money these charities are steps closer to finding these.

ALSO KNOW YOUR STATUS..

There May Be a Monumental New Finding in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

HIV Testing Week 22-29 November

Nearly 22,000 people in the UK don't know they are living with HIV.

HIV is a virus most commonly caught by having sex without a condom.

It can also be passed on by sharing infected needles and other injecting equipment, and from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. The virus attacks the immune system, and weakens your ability to fight infections and disease.

There is no cure for HIV, but there are treatments to enable most people with the virus to live a long and healthy life. 

Getting tested

The only way to find out if you have HIV is to have an HIV test.

If you think you have put yourself at risk of HIV, you should seek medical advice and have a test as soon as recommended. The earlier HIV is detected, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful.

Emergency anti-HIV medication called PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) may stop you becoming infected, but treatment must be started within three days of coming into contact with the virus.

There are a number of places you can get an HIV test, including your GP surgery and sexual health clinics and clinics run by charities including the Terrence Higgins Trust.

Most HIV tests in the UK involve taking a small sample of blood and sending this to a laboratory for analysis. These tests can provide a reliable result from four weeks after possible infection. It is now also possible to test using a saliva sample or pin-prick (blood-spot) test, but these tests do not reliably detect HIV as early as laboratory tests.

You may get the results in hours, days or weeks, depending on the type of test you take.

If your test is positive, you will be referred to a specialist HIV clinic where you'll have more blood tests to show what effect HIV is having on your immune system and be able to discuss treatment options.

Find out more about coping with a positive HIV test.

Anyone who has sex without a condom or shares needles is at risk of HIV infection. However, the two groups with highest rates of HIV in the UK are gay and bisexual men and African men and women.

NICE recommends that annual HIV tests be offered to all men who have sex with men, and more frequent testing be offered to those at higher risk due to multiple partners or unsafe sexual practices.

 Please take time to get yourself tested find a clinic near you.