Helpful Organisations & Resources
Explore trusted organisations grouped by topic. Tap a logo to visit the site.
THT Terrence Higgins Trust – Support, information and counselling related to HIV and sexual health.
NAM aidsmap – Clear, trusted information about living with HIV, treatment and emotional wellbeing.
Mind – Mental health charity with resources, helplines and local support.
i-Base – Detailed, up-to-date treatment information, Q&A and guides for people living with HIV.
UK-CAB – HIV treatment advocate network.
HIV Drug Interactions – Check how HIV medicines interact with other drugs, supplements and treatments.
BHIVA – British HIV Association – UK guidelines for HIV treatment and care, used by clinics across the country.
National AIDS Trust – Information on HIV rights, benefits, work and policy in the UK.
The Spencer Trust – Financial help and advice for people affected by HIV in the Nottingham area and beyond.
HIV Basics
Clear, straightforward information to help make sense of HIV, reduce fear and challenge old myths.
HIV vs AIDS – what’s the difference?
HIV is a virus that affects the immune system.
AIDS is a collection of serious illnesses that can happen if HIV is left untreated for a long time.
With today’s treatment, most people living with HIV in the UK never develop AIDS. Regular blood tests and daily medication keep the virus under control and help your immune system stay strong.
How HIV is – and isn’t – passed on
A clear summary of the main ways HIV can be passed on – and all the everyday contact that does not transmit HIV.
HIV can be passed on through:
• Certain types of sex without protection
• Sharing injecting equipment
• During pregnancy or birth without treatment
HIV cannot be passed on through:
• Kissing
• Hugging
• Sharing food or drinks
• Toilets, door handles or everyday contact
A calm, clear summary to help reduce fear, shame and stigma.
What “undetectable” means (U=U)
A simple explanation of undetectable viral load, U=U, and what it means for sex, relationships and pregnancy.
When someone takes HIV medication consistently, the amount of virus in their blood can become undetectable.
Undetectable means the virus cannot be passed on through sex (U=U).
This also supports healthy relationships, pregnancy and future planning.
Life with HIV
Living with HIV today means planning, relationships and family life are all possible. These resources offer starting points for some of the bigger questions.
Pregnancy & having children
With the right care, many people living with HIV have HIV-negative babies. For up-to-date medical guidance we signpost to trusted, specialist sources (see above):
- Information on pregnancy and HIV from trusted UK charities and NHS-linked services
- Guidance on treatment in pregnancy and infant testing
- Support for people thinking about starting a family
Online information can be a helpful starting point, but always speak to your HIV and maternity teams for personal medical advice.
Many of the links on this page were chosen to answer myths from our 31-day “Misconceptions about HIV” calendar.