HIV and AIDS: what are the risks for gay men?


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Around 83,000 people in the UK are living with HIV. According to the Health Protection Agency (now Public Health England), around a quarter (27%) don't know they have the virus.

Dr Valerie Deplech, an HIV expert at the Health Protection Agency, says: "We are seeing an ever-increasing pool of people living with HIV and AIDS in the UK."



How do people get HIV?


Who gets HIV?


Can I get HIV from kissing someone with it?


How can I avoid getting HIV?



Gary Williams, from Birmingham's Healthy Gay Life Project, says: "The reality of HIV infection is that you need blood tests every six months (sometimes more often) and you could be taking up to 12 pills a day. People are living a long time, but their quality of life is compromised."

How can I get tested for HIV?


When should I get a test?


What will happen if the test result is positive?


For more information, see the Health A-Z topic about Treatment for HIV.


Read the answers to more frequently asked questions about HIV and AIDs.

Now, read an article on sexual health for gay and bisexual men.

Page last reviewed: 17/07/2014

Next review due: 30/06/2017


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