HIV Infections are on the rise in Belfast

What do we know? There has been an increase in the number of HIV infections in Belfast City Centre and across NI.  A number of the recent cases have been connected to intravenous drug use, the risks of sharing needles and unprotected sex.Help and advice are available if you have been at risk either through unprotected sex or injection of substances under the skin.What is HIV?HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease. There’s currently no cure for HIV, but there are very effective drug treatments that enable most people with the virus to live a long and healthy life.Click here for more information on HIV (Link to TRP HIV Awareness Page)How is HIV passed on?HIV is passed on through infected bodily fluids such as semen (cum or precum), vaginal fluids, blood, breast milk and anal mucous. The most common ways HIV is transmitted are through sex without a condom and through sharing infected needles, syringes or another injecting drug equipment. You cannot get HIV through casual or day-to-day contact, or kissing, spitting or sharing a cup or plate.Are HIV and AIDS the same thing?No. When someone is described as living with HIV, they have the HIV virus in their body. A person is considered to have developed AIDS when the immune system is so weak it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope.Is HIV still a serious issue in Northern Ireland?Although HIV is now a long-term, manageable condition and not a death sentence, it is still a serious issue in Northern Ireland. More people than ever before are living with HIV in Northern Ireland and around 100 people are diagnosed every year.How can I protect myself and others from infection?USE CONDOMS When used correctly, condoms are effective against HIV transmission when having vaginal or anal sex. For anal sex using condoms and non-oil based lube is the most effective way to prevent HIV transmission. Do not use oil-based products such as baby oil, lotion, or petroleum jelly as these weaken condoms and can cause them to break. You may also want to use a condom or dental dam during oral sex, although the risk of HIV transmission is much lower. You can get free condoms and lube from The Rainbow Project here.DON’T SHARE NEEDLES Never share needles, syringes or any other injecting equipment. The infection can also be passed if you are using the same water, filters or equipment to dissolve drugs.You can get access to clean needles at centres in Belfast City Centre.Click here for more information What happens if I have been at risk? GET MORE INFORMATIONContact the Belfast Public Health Agency on: 

• Belfast Inclusion Health Service – 02890 043535
• Belfast Drug Outreach Team- 02890 041433

Contact the Rainbow Project on

• Sexual Health Officer – 02890 319030

GET PEPIf taken within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV, the FREE drug known as PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) can stop HIV from spreading in your body. You can access this from local A&Es.Click here for more information on PEPGET TESTED The Rainbow Project provides FREE Rapid HIV and Syphilis Testing across Northern Ireland. These are primarily based in Belfast LGBT Centre, and our Foyle LGBT centre.BOOK A TEST NOW Please contact Leo Lardie

• Phone: 028 90 319 030
• Text: 07904 864 861
• E-mail: leo@rainbow-project.org

ORDER A TEST If you’re looking for a full STI test (including an HIV test) you can order a FREE self-test kit online from www.sh24.org.ukThis NHS service will send you an easy to use self-testing kit in a discreet package in 3-4 working days. Following the instructions contained inside, complete and label your samples then return using the free-post envelope provided.Your results will be texted to you within 7 days, regardless of whether they are positive or negative. The earliest that SH24 kits can detect HIV or Syphilis would be a month after you’ve been exposed. For gonorrhoea and chlamydia, SH24 kits should be able to detect these infections within two weeks after you’ve been exposed.GET SAFE Use protection – If you are sexually active, use a condom until you get your test results. If you don’t use a condom, you may pass on HIV to your sexual partner. Free condoms available from The Rainbow Project.Click here for more information on accessing this service. ( Link to TRP safer sex pack request page)