West Midlands
HIV: Early Detection and Prevention at OneMedicine
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. The good news is that with early detection and the right care, HIV can be managed, allowing you to live a healthy, full life.
At OneMedicine, we’re here for you with compassionate care, offering discreet HIV testing, personalized treatment plans, and preventive options to help protect your health. You’re never alone – we’ll support you every step of the way.
Cost of consultation
- Focused GP appointment (15min) £75
- Standard GP appointment (30min) £120
Early Signs of HIV: What to Look For
In the early stages, HIV can feel a lot like a common illness such as the flu, and symptoms can vary from person to person. The good news is that early detection and timely treatment can make a big difference in your health and well-being.
If you’ve had a possible exposure, keep an eye out for these symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks and seek medical advice if you’re concerned:
- Fever: One of the most common early signs
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired that rest doesn’t seem to fix
- Sore throat: Often paired with swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Rash: Red or pink patches that may itch or feel sore
- Muscle and joint pain: Similar to the body aches you get with the flu
- Headache: Persistent or more intense than usual
It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions too, so the only way to know for sure is through testing. Many people don’t experience early symptoms at all, which is why regular testing is so important.
HIV Prevention & Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
HIV can be passed on through:
- Unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who has HIV
- Sharing needles or syringes
- Very rarely, through blood transfusions in countries without proper screening
Taking steps to protect yourself is simple. Using condoms during sex greatly lowers the risk of HIV and helps prevent other STIs, too. If you inject drugs, avoiding shared needles is important for staying safe.
Sometimes accidents happen—like a condom breaking or unprotected sex. In these cases, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) might be an option. PEP is a one-month course of medication that can reduce the risk of HIV if taken within 72 hours of exposure.
At OneMedicine, we’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you access PEP, either privately or through the NHS. We’re here to support you every step of the way with care and kindness.
HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) at OneMedicine
PrEP is a powerful tool to help protect HIV-negative individuals from contracting HIV. It’s especially recommended for those who may be at higher risk, such as people with HIV-positive partners or anyone who sometimes has sex without a condom. PrEP works by preventing the virus from taking hold in your body, keeping you in control of your health and well-being.
How You Can Take PrEP
- On-Demand PrEP (for anal sex only): Take two tablets 2–24 hours before sex, then one tablet 24 hours later, and another 24 hours after that. This is called the 2-1-1 method.
- Daily PrEP: Take one tablet every day for consistent protection.
Staying Protected
If you’ve been taking PrEP for at least 7 days, you’re still covered even if you miss the occasional dose.
- For daily PrEP, taking at least 6 doses in the past week will keep you protected.
- If you’re unsure about missed doses or when to stop, it’s best to keep taking PrEP and reach out for guidance—we’re always here to help.
Your Health Comes First
Before starting PrEP, we’ll carry out a few simple tests to ensure it’s safe and right for you:
- HIV test to confirm your HIV-negative status
- Hepatitis B test to check for hepatitis B
- Kidney function test to make sure your kidneys are healthy
At OneMedicine, you’ll get caring, personalized support every step of the way. We’ll take the time to listen, answer your questions, and help you feel confident and informed about your choices.
HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in Birmingham
If you believe you’ve been exposed to HIV, it’s important to act quickly. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a 28-day course of medication that helps prevent HIV infection if taken within 72 hours of exposure. PEP is available at OneMedicine, and we can assist in obtaining it quickly. We also recommend seeking PEP through the NHS at GUM clinics or A&E departments, where it may be available free of charge.
HIV testing options at OneMedicine
Early detection of HIV is key to managing the virus and preventing its spread. We offer several testing options, including:
- HIV/Hepatitis B and C Screen by PCR
This test detects the genetic material (RNA) of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C as early as 10 days after exposure. It has over 99% accuracy and provides results within five working days.
- Rapid Xpert HIV-1 RNA Viral Load
Originally used to monitor HIV treatment, this test also detects early infection. Results are available 7 days after exposure and are effective for detecting HIV-1, but not HIV-2.
- HIV INSTI Test
A rapid test that delivers results in just 1 minute. It is 99.8% accurate at detecting HIV antibodies within 3 months of exposure.
- HIV Duo Test £20
This test checks for both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen, providing accurate results just 28 days after exposure. It is considered 99.89% accurate and recommended by UK guidelines. Results typically available same day.
- HIV 1 & 2 RNA Viral Load PCR Test
This highly sensitive test detects HIV 1 & 2 as early as 10 days post-exposure.
HIV 1 RNA PCR (£119) results typically available the same day.
HIV 2 RNA PCR (£170) results 21 days post test.
Reducing your risk of HIV
Regular testing and safe sexual practices are the most effective ways to reduce your risk of HIV. Using condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity is the best way to protect yourself from both HIV and other STIs. Regular HIV testing allows you to know your status and seek treatment early, improving long-term health outcomes.
Do you have other questions?
At OneMedicine, we offer comprehensive HIV testing and prevention services in a confidential and supportive environment. Whether you’re concerned about a recent exposure, interested in PrEP, or looking for regular testing options, our team is here to help.
