More than 72 hours ago
If you’ve had unprotected sex and are not taking PrEP, there may have been a risk of HIV infection. Our staff are here to discuss the risk itself, your concerns and to advise you about when to test for HIV.
Call us for advice
You can call and speak to a Health Advisor on 01273 523 388 (option 2).
Phone line opening times:
Monday | 9.15am to 4.30pm |
Tuesday | 9.15am to 4.30pm |
Wednesday | 12.30pm to 4.30pm |
Thursday | 9.15am to 4.30pm |
Friday | 9.15am to 4.30pm |
Can I take PEP?
PEP is only available if the risk of HIV infection has been within the last 72 hours and cannot be prescribed after this time has passed.
When can I test for HIV?
To be absolutely sure that you don’t have HIV you need to consider the time it takes for an infection to show up on an HIV test . This is referred to as the ‘window period’. The window period for HIV is 45 days for a blood sample tested in a laboratory, and 90 days for a rapid HIV test. To be 100%.sure you don’t have HIV, you need to have had no risk of HIV infection in the last 45 days when you do your test in a clinic, and no risk in the last 90 days if you are using a rapid HIV test. Until you have tested outside of the window period we recommend using condoms for sex.
Would I get symptoms if I had HIV?
Some people will experience symptoms shortly after they come into contact with HIV (seroconversion symptoms) and some people won’t, so it’s not a reliable way of knowing if you have HIV or not. If you’ve had a risk of HIV infection and experience fever, a rash and a sore throat, please phone us for advice on 01273 523 388 (option 2)