How can SASH support you?
If you or your partner are living with HIV, SASH can support you through our different services, as well as providing complimentary therapies and Peer Support.
What is HIV?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus in the body that attacks the cells that help the body fight infection. Having HIV makes a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases.
How is HIV passed from person to person?
Unlike STIs which are usually passed on through sexual contact and activity, HIV can be passed on by coming into direct contact with the bodily fluids of someone with HIV who has a detectable viral load. These fluids are:
- Blood
- Semen (cum) and pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum)
- Rectal fluids
- Vaginal fluids
- Breast milk
Transmission only occurs when the HIV in these fluids gets into the bloodstream of a person who does not have HIV, through either the mucous membrane (found in the rectum, vagina, mouth, or tip of the penis), through open cuts or sores, or by direct injection (from a needle or syringe).
You cannot catch HIV through:
- Sharing the toilet with someone living with HIV
- Sharing pool water
Is HIV preventable?
Preventing HIV transmission is easily possible provided you or your partner follow certain steps to doing so. Knowing your HIV status is incredibly important to know what and when HIV needs to be prevented. You can learn your HIV status by getting an HIV test or a full STI screening.
What happens if I get HIV?
Today, thanks to improvements in the effectiveness of treatment with HIV medicine (called antiretroviral therapy or ART), people living with HIV who are diagnosed early, access and stay on ART can keep the virus suppressed and live long and healthy lives.
Having HIV also doesn't have to stop you from being intimate with others, as there is medication called PEP and PrEP which can be taken to stop the virus from passing from person to person, alongside barrier method contraception.
What support is available for those living with HIV?
If you or your partner are living with HIV, SASH can support you.
Here at SASH we can provide support around living with HIV, including understanding and dealing with a diagnosis to living a fulfilling life alongside treatment.
We also offer complimentary therapies including acupuncture, shiatsu and reflexology during your time with SASH.
We're here to support you whenever you need us during your HIV journey.
SASH is here for you
Want to learn more around HIV?
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We provide comprehensive support and advice on preventing HIV transmission through methods like PrEP, PEP, U=U, and using protection. Learn more today.
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Whether you have recently been diagnosed or have been living with HIV for a while, we offer guidance, support, and resources to help you lead a fulfilling life.
