Over 600 people in Leicester sought care for HIV in 2008. We also estimate that another 200 people in Leicester have HIV but don't know about it.

HIV is a virus that affects the way that your immune system protects you from infections. It is mostly passed on by men and women having unprotected sex.

It is also spread by sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.

It can also be spread from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. But with effective treatment and care the risk of transmission can be greatly reduced.

It is not curable. However, people can live long and fruitful lives with HIV. Treatment has improved greatly and the courses of required drugs have been simplified .

Getting tested for HIV is very simple
 If you have put yourself at risk, get tested. The earlier you know, the lesser the effects of the virus on your body and the more treatment options you will have.

 The earlier you know the lower the likelihood of passing it on to more and more people.

 Just take a simple blood test. You can get this at your GP or genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic at the Leicester Royal Infirmary (0116 258 5208) or the Sexual Health and Contraception Clinic (SHACC) or call 0800 75 66 277. You can also go for a test at Leicestershire AIDS Support Service (LASS) or call 0116 255 9995.

 The test results are confidential to you and the person who performed the test.

Protecting yourself from HIV
Always use a condom for vaginal or anal sex. The risk is much lower with oral sex, although you also may want to use a condom for extra safety.

If you are under 19 visit www.hey-babe.co.uk.  If you are over 19 you can get free condoms from SHACC (see details above) and Contraceptive Services at St Peter's Health Centre in Sparkenhoe Street, Leicester, call 0116 295 1212.

If you use IV needles do not share. Always use a needle exchange

HIV affects all communites in Leicester - black, white and Asian, men and women, straight and gay, children and adults. It doesn't discriminate. Neither should you .

If someone tells you they have HIV, treat them with respect. Don't tell others without their agreement.

Useful links:

 www.worldaidsday.org

 www.shacc.co.uk

 www.lass.org.uk

 www.hey-babe.co.uk