HIV Support

How can SASH support you? 

If you or your partner are living with HIV, SASH offers specialist, non‑judgemental support for people in Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham. 

Our services are designed to support the emotional, social and practical aspects of life with HIV. This may include: 

• One‑to‑one emotional support 
• Peer support from people with lived experience 
• Support following a new diagnosis 
• Complimentary therapies such as shiatsu and reflexology 

You don’t need to go through this alone, we’re here to support you at any stage. 

What is HIV? 

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the immune system. If untreated, it can damage the body’s ability to fight infections over time. 

HIV can be passed on through sexual contact. However, HIV can also be transmitted in non‑sexual ways, such as through blood‑to‑blood contact. 

Thanks to advances in HIV treatment, people who are diagnosed early and take effective medication can live long, healthy lives. Modern treatment can reduce the virus to undetectable levels, meaning it cannot be passed on to others. 

How is HIV passed from person to person?  

Unlike other 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

HIV symptoms and early signs 

Some people experience no HIV symptoms, especially in the early stages. Others may notice signs within a few weeks of infection. 

Common early signs of HIV 

Early HIV infection (sometimes called acute HIV) often occurs 2–4 weeks after exposure and can feel similar to a strong flu. Symptoms may include: 

• Flu‑like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headaches or extreme tiredness 
• Swollen glands 
• Muscle or joint aches 
• Skin rash or night sweats 

These symptoms often pass on their own and can be easy to miss or mistaken for another illness. 

HIV symptoms in men 

HIV symptoms in men (or those assigned male at birth) can also include symptoms affecting hormonal or genital health, such as: 

• Symptoms linked to low testosterone, including fatigue or reduced libido 
• Genital sores or ulcers, sometimes connected to other infections 
• Urinary discomfort or inflammation, such as prostatitis 
• Increased susceptibility to STIs or urinary infections 

HIV symptoms in women 

HIV symptoms in women (or those assigned female at birth) are often similar to those in men, but some people may experience symptoms related to reproductive or hormonal health, including: 

• Changes to periods (heavier, lighter, irregular or missed periods) 
• Frequent vaginal infections, such as recurring thrush or bacterial vaginosis 
• More severe or harder‑to‑treat symptoms from other STIs 
• Pregnancy‑related concerns, where early diagnosis is especially important to prevent transmission 

Many people, of all genders, have no ongoing symptoms for years, which is why regular HIV testing is important. If you’re worried about the signs of HIV, testing is the only way to know for sure.

HIV testing in Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham

HIV testing is widely available and is usually quick, confidential and free. 

You may consider HIV testing if: 

• You’ve had unprotected sex 
• You’re starting a new relationship 
• You have HIV symptoms or unexplained illness 
• You want peace of mind about your sexual health 

You can learn your HIV status by getting through HIV testing or a full STI screening. Most tests can reliably detect HIV around 4–6 weeks after exposure. 

SASH can support you before and after testing, including emotional support while waiting for results or adjusting to a diagnosis. 

Is HIV preventable? 

Yes. HIV transmission can be prevented through: 

• Using condoms 
• Taking PrEP (pre‑exposure prophylaxis) 
• Accessing PEP (post‑exposure prophylaxis) within 72 hours of possible exposure
• Regular HIV testing 

Knowing your status plays a key role in HIV prevention and early treatment. 

What happens if I get HIV?

Receiving an HIV diagnosis can be difficult to process thanks to improvements in treatment living with HIV is manageable. 

With early diagnosis and ongoing HIV treatment: 

• The virus can be kept under control with antiretroviral therapy 
• The immune system remains strong 
• People can live full, healthy lives 
• HIV cannot be passed on when treatment is effective.

Many people benefit from emotional and peer support alongside medical care, this is where SASH can help. 

Support for people living with HIV

SASH provides HIV support in Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham for individuals, partners and couples affected by HIV. 

We offer support with: 

• Coming to terms with a diagnosis 
• Managing anxiety, stigma or isolation 
• Relationships and intimacy 
• Living well alongside HIV treatment 

Our support is confidential, inclusive and centred on your experience, not just your diagnosis. 

We're here to support you whenever you need us during your HIV journey.