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• Adults with HIV

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• Social care and health
• Disability
• Physical and sensory impairment

• Adults with HIV

Support for adults with HIV

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It attacks the body's defence system preventing it from fighting illnesses and infections.

HIV is not passed on by shaking hands, kissing, touching or hugging, sharing cups, cutlery, crockery or towels.

HIV is not spread by sneezing or coughing or from tears or sweat. A person does not get infected with HIV from daily contact.

How can HIV be passed on?

HIV can be passed on in the following ways:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse - vaginal, oral or anal without using a condom
• Sharing contaminated needles, syringes and 'works'
• From an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding
• From contaminated blood or blood products

A diagnosis of HIV affects you, your family, partner and friends. This site describes the help available and provides details of who to contact for further information and advice.

What do Social Services provide?

Social Services provides a confidential service for anyone regardless of gender, sexuality, lifestyle or racial origin in the surrounding area. Information regarding your HIV status will not be divulged to anyone else without your written permission.

Practical assistance

You may have physical difficulties in coping with daily living, need help in the home or caring for you children. We will work with you to plan and provide appropriate support. We may need to involve Children's Services in this.

To speak to a specialist social worker for HIV/AIDS or a duty social worker in confidence you can contact them at:

Staff are trained and are aware of issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and will help to organise any services you may need as quickly as possible.

Other sources of support

National AIDS Helpline
Tel. 0800 567 123

For other languages
Tel. 0800 717 2227

Monday - Friday  9.30am -12noon
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday  1.30pm - 5.00pm
Wednesday  1.30pm - 4.00pm (women only)

The GUM clinic can provide an HIV testing service (appointments are preferred).

THT Coventry

Tel: 024 7622 9292

THT are a voluntary organisation working with people affected by HIV and can help you access the following services:

Counselling and emotional support

You may feel the need to discuss your fears and anxieties. It may be difficult for you to talk about your thoughts and feelings with your family. We offer emotional and psychological support in a confidential and non judgmental environment.

Financial and other advice

Extra expenses may be associated with your illness. You may be entitled to various benefits or be eligible for financial help from other sources. You may also be given support with continuing to work. Advice offered can also cover immigration issues or housing.