Question

Why does i-Base not answer questions on HIV testing and transmission?

1 September 2024. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission.

Hi i-Base

I have sent several questions about HIV testing and you only send links to information online.

Why don’t you answer these questions?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Thanks.

i-Base is a project focused on HIV treatment. Our services are for people who are living with HIV and who want to know about treatment.

If you have a question about PrEP or PEP, please see these links:

• Questions about PEP
• Questions about PrEP

We care, but we are not set up for this.

If you are worried about HIV or testing, please see the info linked below or ask your doctor or your local clinic.

Good info about HIV risk and HIV testing is important.

This is why we have detailed resources online. If you are feeling anxious or worried, HIV is not an easy virus to catch. The chance of becoming positive from having sex once is usually less than 1 in 100.

1. FAQ page

This FAQ page answers all your questions about testing. This includes when to test, different types of test and simple questions about risk.

2. Online booklet on HIV risk and testing

This online booklet on HIV risk and testing has even more detailed information. It answers all other questions about HIV transmission and HIV testing. For example, about oral sex or viral load or condoms. Also, if you are feeling anxious or perhaps guilty. And technical info about how transmission occurs and how tests work.

3. U=U

This link has info on U=U: undetectable=untransmittable. It explains why effective HIV treatment means there is ZERO risk to partners, even if you don’t use a condom.

4. UK guide to PrEP

The UK guide to PrEP has information about how HIV negative people can protect themselves against HIV, even if you don’t use a condom.

5. PEP – your questions answered

This online factsheet about PEP covers all Qs. It includes symptoms, risk to partners, times to test etc.

If you don’t believe your negative test result, please see this link: feelings of guilt about sex and recent encounters.

These resources answer EVERY question but you need to be patient to look.

If you have a question that is not covered we will add this to the FAQ page.

Because these answers are already online we do not answer testing questions individually.

Information vs advice

i-Base provides information rather than advice.

The difference is important. We provide info to help you make informed decisions with your doctor. We hope this makes it easier to have an active role in your own health.

We are more than 40 years into the HIV epidemic. Everyone who is sexually active needs to have good information about their health. Just as we encourage people living with HIV to understand their own health, this is the same for people who are HIV negative.

The info online shoukld help yiou feel more in control of your sexual health.

Happy reading …

Note: this question was first answered in September 2016 but the page is often updated to keep it as a recent question.