Smears
You can book your smear online with us using our online booking system if you feel uncomfortable booking with a receptionist. All our staff are trained on awareness and to treat every person with kindness and dignity. For more information on what a smear test is and when to have one please go to our website page.
Mental health support
Accurx
If you have a health care problem but don’t feel confident speaking to anyone please use our accurx service.
If you wish to make amendments to how you are known on your medical record please use the accurx system, send an admin query and we will get back to you with all the information you need. This includes changing your gender identity. The practice will need to gather some information and to take you through the process. One of our specially trained team will be in touch to go through how we will help you to do this and your options.
Sexual Health
Worried about HIV, book an appointment with our GPs to discuss your concerns, alternatively follow the link to see how easy it is to get tested.
HIV and PrEP – Leicester Sexual Health
HIV
National Aids Trust
Symptoms
With treatment, HIV is a manageable condition that should not affect your day-to-day life significantly. Getting tested early means that you can access this treatment if you have got HIV. Effective treatment reduces your viral load to undetectable levels within about six months, meaning that your immune system will remain healthy and you will not be able to pass on the virus.
Between 70 and 90% of people experience ‘acute’ symptoms one to six weeks after they have acquired HIV. These symptoms last for a few days to weeks and include:
- Severe flu-like symptoms
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Rash on the chest
If HIV is not treated, it may progress to an advanced form, known as AIDS but now in healthcare commonly referred to as advanced HIV.
With advances in HIV treatment, many people can recover from advanced HIV, though they will still have HIV. However, there is a period of up to 10 years between acquiring HIV and the development of an advanced form of the illness, in which a person may not experience any symptoms at all.
Why should I get tested?
Getting tested is the only way to find out if you may have HIV.
If you have acquired HIV:
- A test in good time can ensure that you get excellent treatment and care
- If you start treatment early you will most likely be able to live a full, healthy and productive life
- Knowing your HIV status is the best way to protect your health, and that of your sexual partners
Where can I get tested?
Free and confidential HIV tests are available from:
- NHS sexual health clinics (also called GUM clinics)
- Charity testing services
- GP surgeries
- Test at home kit