Your options for HIV testing in Northamptonshire | Our latest updates

HIV Testing Week 2026 is here, and health organisations across Northamptonshire are encouraging  individuals  to take a moment to check their HIV status. Testing is quick,  simple  and confidential  -  and knowing your status is one of the most important steps you can take to look after your health.  

HIV can affect anyone, at any stage of life. 73% of straight people in Britain  have never been tested for HIV, often because they don't believe they're at risk.  (YouGov).   

HIV Testing Week is a reminder that anyone can be affected by HIV, and that testing  remains  important for people of all  ages,  backgrounds  and sexualities . Some people may feel unsure about getting tested, whether  they  are worried about privacy, limited access to  local services or simply not knowing where to start , but everyone deserves easy, confidential access to care.  

Modern treatments mean that  people living with HIV can now live long, healthy lives, especially when diagnosed early.  That's why this awareness week is a great opportunity to learn more about the easy testing options available  to you.  

How does HIV spread?  

HIV is found in the body fluids of an infected person. It can  be passed on through/from:  

• Blood  

• Semen (& pre-ejaculate)  

• Vaginal fluids  

• Anal mucus  

• Breast milk  

• Mother to child (<1% with medical intervention)  

• Sharing sex toys  

• Sharing needles (UK Needle exchange, started 1985)  

• Contaminated Blood Transfusions (Safe in UK since 1985)  

HIV cannot  be transmitted through:  

• Sweat  

• Urine  

• Saliva  

• Touching/hugging  

• Shaking hands  

• Kissing  

• Spitting  

• Coughing  

• Sneezing  

• Sharing toilets  

• Sharing household items, e.g. cups  

Symptoms of HIV  

Many people with HIV do not know they're infected. Commonly after acquiring the infection, an individual may have flu-like symptoms for 2-3 weeks, before feeling better.  

Over the longer term, the virus will replicate and kill immune cells leaving the body vulnerable to infection.  

Your local testing options  

Sexual health services in Northamptonshire are staffed by friendly, experienced  and non-judgemental professionals. They understand how important it is that people feel comfortable and safe when accessing testing or advice. Whether you're testing for the first time or as part of routine care, the team is there to make the process simple and stress- free.  

• Clinic appointments at convenient locations across the county  

• Community clinics and outreach sessions offering  walk-in or bookable slots

• Discreet postal testing kits delivered directly to your home