In our countries, HIV is a death sentence and a disgrace. Here — it's not. In the UK, HIV is treatable. For free. For everyone. Even without documents. Even without immigration status. The Home Office won't find out — medical data is protected by law. If you just found out — breathe. Keep reading.
The facts
- HIV is a virus. Not a punishment. Not a death sentence.
- With treatment — a normal life expectancy.
- U=U: undetectable = untransmittable. If you're on treatment and your viral load is undetectable — you CANNOT pass it to your partner. This is scientific fact.
- Treatment: 1 pill a day. Free through the NHS.
- The Home Office does NOT have access to medical data.
U=U — detailed article (in Russian)
Getting tested
- Testing is free and anonymous.
- At home: freetesting.hiv, SHL.UK (London), SH.UK (England).
- Walk-in: any sexual health clinic, 56 Dean Street (020 3315 5656).
- Result in 15 minutes (rapid test) or 1-3 days (lab test).
- Window period: up to 45-90 days.
10 questions about HIV self-testing (in Russian)
If you test positive
- This is not the end. This is the beginning of treatment.
- You'll be referred to an HIV specialist.
- Treatment starts quickly — often the same day.
- 1 pill a day. Side effects are minimal.
- After ~6 months the virus becomes undetectable.
- You will live a normal life.
PrEP — prevention
- A pill that PREVENTS HIV infection.
- Free at any sexual health clinic.
- No GP needed, no passport needed.
- Can be taken daily or "on demand" (event-based).
- New injectable PrEP (CAB-LA) from 2026.
What is PrEP and where to get it (in Russian)
PEP — emergency prevention
- If you had unprotected sex — PEP must be started within 72 hours.
- Go to the nearest sexual health clinic or A&E.
- Free.
Stigma
In our countries, HIV is shame. You can be thrown out of your home, fired from work, beaten. Here — no. In the UK, discrimination based on HIV status is a crime (Equality Act 2010). You are protected by law. Nobody has the right to know your status without your consent.
Stigma is more dangerous than the virus (in Russian)
Stigma is curable (in Russian)
Support
Terrence Higgins Trust
Positively UK
NAM aidsmap
Life4me+
Parni Plus
In Russian
Resources in Russian — so you don't have to translate:
- parniplus.com — MSM health, PrEP, HIV, STIs
- life4me.plus/ru — articles on treatment, U=U, stigma
- U=U in detail
- Support groups