Your HIV diagnosis

An HIV diagnosis can feel overwhelming at first, but you do not have to manage on your own. Treatment is highly effective, and with the right care and support people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives. In the first few weeks, your clinic team will explain what happens next and support you with your care and treatment. You should be given clear information about appointments, treatment, peer support and other support that is available.

This page explains your next steps, what to expect from HIV services, and how peer support can help you feel informed and less alone. The British HIV Association (BHIVA) standards of care recognise that peer support should be part of the overall treatment and care package, especially for people who are newly diagnosed.

Table of Contents

Your next steps

If your first result, often referred to as reactive, came from a sexual health clinic, community testing service, or home test, the next step is to arrange an appointment with a specialist HIV clinic. This confirms your result and starts your care. Specialist HIV care and treatment is open access regardless of location, and you can choose the clinic that feels right for you.

  1. Your result will be confirmed with a further blood test.
  2. You should be referred promptly to a specialist HIV clinic, or supported to contact one. You will usually be seen within two weeks of a positive result.
  3. You can choose a clinic based on what feels practical, private and supportive.
  4. Before your first visit, it may help to write down questions and think about what support you need.

Your first clinic visit

Your first clinic visit should happen promptly. You may meet a specialist nurse or another experienced member of the HIV team, who will explain the service, arrange tests, and talk through any support you need.

  1. The clinic team will explain how the service works and what happens next.
  2. Blood tests may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and check your general health — it’s usual for several samples to be taken, so please don’t worry. 
  3. You may be asked about your general health, wellbeing, and any immediate concerns you have. 
  4. This is a good time to ask about peer support, practical advice, and emotional support from other HIV service providers.

Your first doctor appointment

At your first medical review appointment, your doctor or specialist nurse will explain your results, talk about your general health, and outline your care plan. You should have time to ask questions and understand what it all means.

  1. Your clinician will explain your results in clear, simple language and talk to you about starting treatment as soon as possible.
  2. They will ask about your medical history, current medication, and any other health conditions you may have.
  3. You can talk about treatment, confidentiality, follow-up appointments, and wider health needs.
  4. You can also ask for extra help, including peer support or other emotional and practical support.

Your treatment plan

HIV care now focuses on starting treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis. Your clinic team will explain your options, what to expect, and how treatment will be monitored.

  1. Your team will explain why starting treatment early matters, and how it affects the amount of virus in your blood (viral load).
  2. They will talk you through how to take your medication and what side effects to look out for.
  3. Further blood tests check that treatment is working and that your viral load becomes undetectable — too low for standard tests to measure.
  4. If the first treatment isn’t right for you, other effective options are available — talk to your team about any ongoing side effects.

Your routine clinic appointments

After treatment starts, you will usually have routine appointments and blood tests to monitor your progress and answer questions. Appointments are often more frequent at first, then less frequent — around every six months — once things are stable.

  1. Routine appointments help your clinic team check treatment is working, suits you, and that you’re managing to take it as prescribed.
  2. Blood tests are repeated to monitor your viral load and general health.
  3. Routine appointments are a chance to discuss your wider health needs and any concerns.
  4. You’ll be told who to contact between appointments if you need advice.

Your support networks

Support is not only medical. Many people find it helpful to speak with someone who has lived experience of HIV, especially in the early days after diagnosis. Peer support is part of the overall care offered to you, and it can help you feel informed, prepared, and less alone.

  1. Support may come from your clinic’s peer support services, trusted people in your life, or community organisations.
  2. A peer support appointment can help you prepare for clinic, talk through worries, and feel more supported as part of your care.
  3. You can choose the type of support that feels most comfortable for you.
  4. Your support needs may change over time — this is completely normal.

Need support?

Increasingly, HIV clinics offer peer support as part of the clinic team. If your clinic doesn't offer this, or if online support feels easier, you can arrange a confidential appointment through our peer support service — available by text, voice, or video call. You may also want support from trusted friends, family, or other organisations. Take things at your own pace, ask questions, and remember that good HIV services should help you understand your options and where to turn for support.

Learn about peer support