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Around one in 12 people living with HIV in the UK don’t know they have it. The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested.
The sooner you find out you have HIV and start treatment the better it is for your health. Being on effective treatment means you cannot pass on HIV and can expect to lead a long, healthy life.
Most people will only notice symptoms of HIV after a few years. People with HIV may have a short flu-like illness soon after getting the virus, but these symptoms are often missed and they can feel well for a long time.
The longer you live with HIV without treatment, the more damage is done to your immune system, and greater your risk of developing infections. People who are undiagnosed or diagnosed late, like Thomas, have poorer health outcomes and are more likely to die prematurely. They are also more likely to pass on the infection to others.
Should you be diagnosed with HIV, you will be put on HIV treatment straight away.
HIV treatment is free of charge in the UK to all who need it, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
If, like Mary in the film, you are living with HIV and have an undetectable viral load, but are finding it difficult to tell your partner or anyone close to you and would like some support, then you can call THT Direct or arrange to speak to one of our online counsellors.
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 a 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.
Get support
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.