Having an HIV test is the only way to know for sure whether you have HIV. If you have HIV, it’s very important that it is diagnosed as soon as possible. This will give you the best chance of getting the treatment and care you need to stay well.
You should get an HIV test if you think you have exposed yourself to risk by, for example, having sex without a condom with someone whose HIV status you do not know, or sharing injecting needles or drug equipment.
It is recommended to have an HIV test at least once a year, and more regularly if you have unprotected anal sex with new or casual partners. HIV tests are also recommended as part of a routine sexual health check-up. If you are not offered a test at a routine in-person check-up, you are within your right to request one.
If you have recently had sex without a condom, and you experience severe flu-like symptoms (sore throat and fever) plus a rash on the chest, these could be symptoms of recent HIV infection and you should get tested as soon as possible.
How soon after a possible exposure should I test?
Watch this simple video from aidsmap which explains how soon a test can give you an accurate result.
Where can I get a test?
It is now easier than ever to get a HIV test! If you live in Bristol, North Somerset or South Glos (BNSSG) you can access free in-person tests and or home postal HIV tests via Unity Sexual Health.
Unity also has vending machines across BNSSG. These machines dispense free full STI test kits and oral HIV self-tests. They are in the following locations:
- Hamilton House, Bristol, BS1 3QY
- Watershed, Bristol, BS1 5TX
- Willow Brook, South Gloucestershire, BS32 8EF
- Sovereign Centre, North Somerset, BS23 1HL
- Common Ambition Bristol (CAB) is a project working with African and Caribbean heritage communities in Bristol to reduce HIV diagnosis, stigma and generally improve sexual health. If you are of African or Caribbean heritage you can access a choice of 2 walk-in clinics.
First Thursday of the month 1.30 – 6pm at Montpellier Health Centre, Bath Buildings, BS6 5PT
Last Thursday of the month 1.30 – 5pm at Charlotte Keel Health Centre, Seymour Road, BS5 0UA
No appointment is necessary and it is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service where you can test for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis.
You can also get free PrEP here as well as free condoms and HIV oral self-test kits.
Terrence Higgins Trust run a weekly sexual health clinic at East Trees Health Centre.
Every Monday 11.30am- 3pm
This is a walk-in clinic (no appointment needed) for advice, testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, blood testing for HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B & C, and free condoms and lube.
Please note no examinations or prescriptions for medicine can be provided at this clinic.
Live Outside of BNSSG?
If you live outside of BNSSG please visit https://test.tht.org.uk/finder where you can search for free online HIV testing services in your area.