HIV Testing Week 2026

This year, National HIV Testing Week runs from Monday 9^th to Sunday 15^th February.

Every year, the campaign encourages people to get tested regularly for HIV, aiming to reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV and those diagnosed late.

Currently, an estimated 4,700 people are living with undiagnosed HIV in England

Quick facts about HIV

• People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms, so testing is the only way to know your HIV status.
• Testing for HIV is quick and free, confidential and easy.
• If you have HIV, finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else. With modern treatment, people living with HIV can expect to live a normal lifespan.
• There are many ways to test, via a sexual health clinic, your GP, through HIV and sexual health charities or by ordering a test online.
• Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support.

 

Why is it important to test for HIV?

It’s a good idea to test at least once a year, because testing is the only way to know if you have HIV. If you wait to test, the virus could do a lot of damage that is preventable with treatment.

Certain groups are at higher risk of HIV, but it can affect anyone. HIV is passed on through unprotected sex, through blood (such as through sharing needles) and from mother to baby.

Testing is quick, free, and confidential. It’s also an easy way to take responsibility for your health. If you have HIV, finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else. The sooner you start treatment, the less likely you are to become seriously ill. People who are diagnosed early and get on treatment can expect to live a normal lifespan.

 

Symptoms of HIV infection

The symptoms of HIV are different for everyone.

Some people experience a short flu-like illness around 2 to 6 weeks after HIV infection.

This can include:

• a sore throat
• a high temperature
• swollen glands
• muscle aches and tiredness
• a skin rash

However, these symptoms can also be caused by lots of common conditions. You may not have any other symptoms of HIV for years. This means many people with HIV do not know they have it.

If HIV is not treated, it damages your immune system and may eventually cause more serious illnesses, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia or cancer. This is known as advanced HIV, late-stage HIV or AIDS.

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How can I test for HIV?

HIV Testing Kit: During HIV Testing Week, you can order a testing kit for HIV at www.freetesting.hiv, where you have the option of a rapid test too, which gives results in minutes.

At YorSexual Health: If you don't have any symptoms, HIV testing is offered during our TAG (Test and Go) clinics, alongside Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, and Syphilis. TAG appointments are just 15 minutes long with one of our experienced Healthcare Assistants. If you do have symptoms, you'll need a longer appointment with one of our fantastic nursing team. Both of these can be arranged by calling us during opening times. You can also attend one of our Walk In and Wait clinics.