Go after her

Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV or not. If you’ve never tested, like Simone, then it’s a good idea to test now. People can live for years unaware that they have HIV. Most HIV transmissions are from people who don’t know they have the virus and have unprotected sex.  

If you can’t be certain of someone’s HIV status, condoms protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can also protect you from HIV, but not STIs.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a treatment that can stop an HIV infection after the virus has entered a person’s body. It must be taken within 72 hours of exposure. You do not need to take PEP if, like Simone in the film, you know your partner is HIV positive and has an undetectable viral load. 

People who have HIV and have been on treatment for more than six months and have an undetectable viral load like Josh in the film cannot pass the virus on and can expect to live as long as anyone else. 

If like Josh in the film you are anxious about talking about your HIV status to a potential partner or anyone else and would like some support then you can call THT Direct or arrange to speak to one of our online counsellors. 

As the doctor in the film says HIV medication does not prevent you from getting other STIs so it’s a good idea to have a full sexual health screening before having any sex without a condom. Find this and other tips on how to have a healthy sex life. 

HIV treatment is free of charge in the UK to all who need it regardless of citizenship or immigration status. 

It’s never been easier to get an HIV test and to get a result quickly.You can get a test in person or order tests online, with free and paid-for options. Many tests will provide you with a result in just a few minutes. If you would like to know more about the kinds of tests available and where you can get them our website can help you.

There are many myths that still surround HIV. Learn what's fact, and what's not.

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If you would like to speak in confidence with someone about issues raised from this film, call THT direct on 0800 802 1221 or click the ‘speak to somebody’ button at the bottom of your phone screen.

These films are dramatisations made with actors and all details have been anonymised to protect the identities of all those who took part in the creative process. Throughout the making of these films people from black African communities have been consulted on an ongoing basis to ensure they reflect real life situations.