HIV Results

Diagnosed positive? Click here

If your test results have come back as HIV negative:

It is important to remember that any negative result from an HIV test gives a person's HIV status as of HIV 3 months ago. It is recommended that if you have put yourself at risk within this time that you get re-tested at the 3 month mark and protect yourself in the meantime to ensure that you don’t have to repeat the stress of being tested in future. When having sex, make sure you know how to use a condom correctly and that you use one every time you have sex. If you are a drug user who injects then be sure to use sterilized needles and syringes each time and don't share any equipment ( mixing bowls, water, spoons etc.).

If your test result is HIV positive:

People deal with a positive HIV diagnosis in different ways and while there is no right or wrong way to feel but you will probably have questions and issues that you need to deal with. However you feel, remember that you are not alone and that there is help and support available.

TPA are a charity set up specifically in order to help people in this situation - feel free to call us on our 24 hour helpline, email or drop into the office. There are also many websites you can access that have current, relevant and easy to understand information and advice - see our links section for further details.

For many people who are newly diagnosed it has been found that the sooner they take steps to protect their health, the better. It is important to get seek medical advice and monitoring as soon as possible even if you do not actually feel ill. This will mean that the development of the virus can be checked and, if necessary treatment can be started. Try to find a doctor that has experience of treating HIV - many large towns and cities have dedicated HIV medical facilities. In Teesside, this is the Department of Infection and Travel Medicine at James Cook University Hospital. You can contact them directly on 01642 854389 or ask a health worker (i.e. ourselves, a GP, a support worker etc.) to refer you.

It is important to look after your health. People who are generally physically healthy tend to have more robust immune systems and keeping fit and healthy can, for some people, mean that they can delay treatment for longer. Ask your doctor for fitness or dietary advice and ask to be referred to a dietician. Smoking, drinking alcohol and using other recreational drugs can weaken your immune system. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about smoking/drinking cessation or substance abuse programs or see our links page.

It is also important to look after your mental and emotional health as these can also impact on the immune system. After a diagnosis, it is normal for people to go through a grieving process and some people experience depression or anger. It is therefore important to find a support system that is suitable for you. While some people can rely on friends and family for support, others prefer to seek the assistance and advice provided by counsellors, support groups and agencies like TPA who operate a 24 hour helpline for support and advice for those infected or otherwise affected by HIV.

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