About HIV
HIV is a chronic illness where early diagnosis, medication adherence, and proactive health management are crucial for effective care.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a long-term medical condition that affects the immune system. Without treatment, HIV weakens the body’s ability to fight infections and illness. With early diagnosis and effective treatment, however, people living with HIV can expect to live long, healthy lives.
Mildmay Hospital specialises in the inpatient care and rehabilitation of people with complex HIV-related conditions, including advanced illness and neurological impairment. This page provides clinically focused information about HIV and how it is managed today.
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV is the virus itself. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is not a separate virus, but a medical term used to describe the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
A diagnosis of AIDS occurs when HIV has caused significant damage to the immune system and a person develops specific serious infections or illnesses. Today, most people living with HIV will never develop AIDS, because effective treatment prevents the virus from progressing in this way.
Just because someone has HIV does not mean they will die – but it is essential to have medical care and treatment.
How HIV is transmitted
HIV is transmitted when certain body fluids containing the virus enter the bloodstream of another person.
The most common routes are:
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unprotected vaginal or anal sex
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sharing needles or injecting equipment
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transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding (now rare with treatment)
HIV is not passed through casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, sharing food or drink, using the same toilet, or through saliva or sweat.
Why testing matters
An HIV test is the only way to know your HIV status. Many people have no symptoms for years after infection.
Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin sooner, which:
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protects the immune system
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improves long-term health outcomes
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prevents onward transmission
HIV testing is widely available through NHS sexual health services and GP practices.
PLEASE NOTE: Mildmay Hospital does not provide walk-in HIV testing or outpatient clinics.
HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). These medications stop the virus from replicating, allowing the immune system to recover and remain strong.
Treatment is usually taken daily and is lifelong. Modern HIV medications are highly effective and generally well tolerated. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual.
With effective treatment:
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the amount of virus in the blood (viral load) becomes undetectable
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the immune system is protected
Treatment for HIV today
Image by Tomasz Ryś
U=U is supported by robust international clinical evidence and is a cornerstone of modern HIV care. It has transformed understanding of HIV, reduced stigma, and reinforced the importance of testing and treatment.
PrEP and PEP
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is medication taken by HIV-negative people to prevent acquiring HIV if they are at ongoing risk of exposure. It is available free of charge through NHS sexual health services.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a short course of medication that can reduce the risk of HIV infection after a recent potential exposure. It must be started as soon as possible.
Both PrEP and PEP are important components of HIV prevention.
Symptoms of HIV
Symptoms of HIV vary depending on the stage of infection. Some people experience a short flu-like illness soon after infection, while others have no symptoms at all.
Without treatment, HIV can eventually cause:
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recurrent infections
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weight loss and fatigue
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neurological symptoms
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serious opportunistic illnesses
Early diagnosis and effective treatment prevent most long-term complications.
Headaches and mood swings
Fever and chills
Pneumonia, cough with phlegm, shortness of breath, and chest pain
High heart rate and low blood pressure
Clamminess, rashes and blueness of the skin
Women: changes in menstruation,. lower belly pain and vaginal yeast infection (later stages of infection)
Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and mouth ulcers
Muscle fatigue and aches
Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
Joint pain
Image by Gear Digital Arts on Vecteezy
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND)
HIV can affect the brain and central nervous system. Some people experience difficulties with memory, concentration, thinking, coordination or behaviour. This group of conditions is known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND).
HAND can range from mild cognitive changes to more severe impairment, particularly in people who were diagnosed late or experienced interruptions in treatment.
Mildmay Hospital is internationally recognised for its specialist assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for people with HIV-related neurological conditions.
Our multidisciplinary team combines medical management, rehabilitation therapies and structured support to help stabilise or improve cognitive and physical function and maximise independence.
Why early diagnosis matters
When HIV is diagnosed late, the immune system may already have been weakened. This can increase the risk of HIV-related complications, including infections and conditions that affect memory, concentration, and thinking.
Some HIV-related neurological and cognitive conditions are more likely to develop when HIV has gone untreated for a long period of time. This is one reason why early testing, diagnosis, and prompt treatment are so important.
Effective HIV treatment significantly reduces these risks. Many people who start treatment early never experience these complications, and specialist care can help manage symptoms and support recovery where problems do occur.
Mildmay Hospital’s HIV pathway
Mildmay Hospital provides specialist inpatient care for adults with complex HIV-related needs that cannot be managed in standard healthcare settings.
Our HIV pathway includes:
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specialist medical oversight
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physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy
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neurocognitive assessment and rehabilitation
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psychological and emotional support
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social care and discharge planning
Care is goal-orientated, trauma-informed and focused on improving quality of life and functional independence.
Stigma and HIV
Despite major advances in treatment, HIV continues to be associated with stigma. This often arises from misinformation or moral judgements about how HIV is transmitted.
Stigma can take many forms, including exclusion, discrimination, verbal or physical abuse, and fear of disclosure. People may experience stigma within relationships, families, workplaces or community settings.
HIV-related stigma can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing. Some people internalise negative attitudes, develop a poor self-image, or delay seeking care due to fear of judgement. Reducing stigma is essential to improving health outcomes and ensuring people living with HIV receive dignified, respectful care.
If you are experiencing stigma
This is a link to the Terrence Higgins Trust website page on stigma.
Nutrition and HIV
Good nutrition plays an important role in supporting health for people living with HIV. A balanced diet helps maintain strength, supports the immune system, and reduces the risk of other health conditions.
People with complex illness or rehabilitation needs may benefit from tailored nutritional advice as part of their overall care plan.
Pregnancy and HIV
With effective treatment and specialist care, the risk of transmitting HIV from mother to baby can be reduced to very low levels.
Pregnant women living with HIV are supported through specialist services to optimise their own health and minimise transmission risk during pregnancy, birth and feeding.
HIV in the UK: key facts
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Over 100,000 people are living with HIV in the UK
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Most people diagnosed and on effective treatment have a normal life expectancy
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The majority of people on treatment have an undetectable viral load
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New HIV diagnoses have fallen in recent years due to testing, treatment and prevention tools such as PrEP
For the most up-to-date national and global statistics, see:
Further information and support
For trusted information and support: