Gilead Health Unit HIV Testing Services

13/10/2022

30/05/2022

No, having no HIV symptoms does not mean you're cured.

HIV can exist in the body without displaying any symptoms for up to 10 or 15 years! So, you may have the virus for some time and feel fine. If you are on treatment and don’t have any symptoms, then your treatment is working at keeping your immune system strong.

29/05/2022

Both people with and without HIV have things they can do to stop HIV being passed on.

Using condoms every time you have s*x is one of the best ways to prevent HIV transmission. If you have HIV, take treatment to reach an undetectable viral load so you can’t pass on HIV. If you don’t have HIV, take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to protect yourself.

28/05/2022

*x

15/05/2022

How to put on a condom correctly 👌

14/05/2022

Feeling supported after learning that you are living with HIV is so important for living healthily and positively.

Shayna stayed strong for those around her and importantly, for herself, which has helped her move forward with her life.

Read Shayna's full story here 👇
https://www.beintheknow.org/hiv-and-stis/hiv-testing/stories/shayna

14/05/2022

Did you know?

Having multiple s*xual partners increases the risk of HIV infection through s*x if you are not using protection such as condoms or PrEP.

04/05/2022

If you have HIV, looking after your emotional and mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health.

There are many things you can do to take care of your mental health:

💬 Talking about how you feel can be an important first step, so talk to trusted family and friends

🗣 Join a support group or talk to a peer

🧑🏿‍⚕️ Get professional help

💪 Look after your body by exercising and eating well

02/05/2022

Undetectable = Untransmmitable

To know if you are undetectable, you must have your viral load monitored regularly by a health professional.

Remember, your viral load can change.

If you stop taking your treatment properly your viral load will go up again.

19/03/2022

New developments...

Thank you NACOSA for this infographic, please see more info here : https://www.nacosa.org.za/2022/03/17/vaginal-hiv-prevention-ring-approved/?fbclid=IwAR1n1BN-I8qsRHaEXrQYupmnUsHGQGsn1Q7B9gQZ5Doqoe9eqeOH7iPyYyE

10/03/2022

*x toys😋

S*x toys come into direct contact with re**al and vaginal fluids, and mucous membranes. This means that HIV could be passed on from sharing an uncleaned s*x toy.

Although using s*x toys on your own has no risk, it's always a good idea to give them a clean before and after each use. Whether solo or accompanied, enjoy a pleasurable session in the safest way.

03/03/2022

HIV self-stigma is when a person with HIV believes negative thoughts and attitudes about HIV and starts to apply them to themselves. This can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and despair.

These feelings can prevent people from getting tested and seeking the treatment they need.

07/01/2022

Let's help Lynette raise awareness and educate others 📢

HIV treatment works and you can live a long and healthy life with HIV!

06/01/2022

PrEP, PEP & ART … what’s the difference between the three?

03/01/2022

PrEP offers more than 90% protection from HIV when taken correctly. One pill a day, everyday prevents HIV and there is a low chance that you will become infected if you take it correctly.
Visit www.myprep.co.za or inbox us if you have any questions.

01/01/2022

15/12/2021

🤔

There is no cure for HIV yet.

Researchers and scientists believe we can find a cure for HIV. We know a lot about HIV, as much as certain cancers. Scientists are researching two types of cure: a functional cure and a sterilising cure.

There is no 'natural cure' or 'herbal cure' for HIV. Antiretroviral treatment is the only medication that is proven to effectively control HIV and allow people to live a long and healthy life.

07/12/2021

More pics...with partners Jesuit Refugee Service - JRS

06/12/2021

What do you do when the condom breaks🤭

It’s very rare for a condom to break when it is used properly but if it does split, break or something else goes wrong like the condom slips off, there are some simple things you can do 👇

04/12/2021

Tips for living positively with HIV

If you are HIV positive, taking HIV treatment will keep your immune system healthy, but there are other things you can do to stay fitter and happier like eating healthily and exercising 👇

02/12/2021

continues....

01/12/2021

Let's re-commit to end HIV
State Theatre

29/11/2021

Count down to 2021

28/11/2021

build up activities State Theatre Pretoria 29th and 30th November 2021... See you there😉

26/11/2021

HIV and AIDS are not the same thing.

Some people use the terms and as if they were the same, but they ARE different!

HIV is a virus that attacks cells in the immune system, which is our body’s natural defence against illness. AIDS is a set of symptoms and illnesses that occur because the immune system is seriously damaged by HIV.

Find all the information you need about HIV and AIDS here ⬇️

https://www.avert.org/about-hiv-aids/what-hiv-aids