References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
The only way to know for certain whether you have HIV is to get tested. Many people with HIV have no symptoms for years after infection. When symptoms do appear, they can easily be mistaken for flu or other common illnesses. Testing is quick, confidential and free on the NHS.
Here’s what to look out for and how to get tested.
Order a discreet home HIV test
Early Symptoms of HIV (Acute Infection)
Within 2-6 weeks of infection, many people experience a short illness called seroconversion. Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Body rash (often on the trunk)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Joint and muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Mouth ulcers
These symptoms last 1-2 weeks and then resolve. Many people don’t notice them at all, or put them down to a cold or flu.
The Asymptomatic Phase
After seroconversion, HIV usually causes no symptoms for years. During this time the virus is silently damaging the immune system. Without testing, you would have no idea you were infected. This is why routine testing is so important.
Later Symptoms (Advanced HIV)
If HIV goes undiagnosed and untreated for years, the immune system weakens and symptoms begin:
| Symptom | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| Persistent weight loss | Advanced immune suppression |
| Chronic diarrhoea | Opportunistic infections |
| Night sweats | TB, lymphoma or other infections |
| Recurring infections | Low CD4 count |
| Oral thrush | Immune suppression |
| Shingles (especially in young people) | Weakened immunity |
| Persistent skin problems | Various opportunistic conditions |
Who Should Get Tested?
Everyone should test at least once. You should test more regularly if you:
- Have had condomless sex with a new partner
- Have multiple sexual partners
- Are a man who has sex with men
- Have injected drugs and shared equipment
- Come from a country where HIV is common
- Have been diagnosed with another STI
- Have a partner who is HIV-positive and not confirmed undetectable
How to Get Tested
- Sexual health clinics — free, confidential, walk-in or appointments
- GP surgery — can do a blood test
- Home testing kits — available free from some NHS services or to buy online
- Community testing — some HIV charities offer rapid testing
Results from rapid tests take 15-20 minutes. Lab tests take a few days. A reactive (positive) result always needs confirmation with a second test.
Read more: Home HIV testing accuracy | False negative results | What is HIV?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tell if I have HIV from symptoms alone?
No. HIV symptoms overlap with many common illnesses. The only way to know is to test.
How soon after exposure can I test?
A 4th-generation lab test is reliable from about 4 weeks after exposure. Rapid self-tests need 3 months for a definitive result.
Is HIV testing confidential?
Yes. NHS HIV testing is confidential. Sexual health clinic results are not shared with your GP unless you agree.
Related reading
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Can You Get an STI From Being Fingered?
- Can You Catch an STI From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Clear HPV Once You Have It?
- Can You Die From Hepatitis B?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
