Your Private GP and Sexual Health Clinic in Canary Wharf

If your HIV viral load is undetectable the virus is untransmittable (U=U)

Dr Wayne Cottrell:

  • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
  • HIV is mainly transmitted by unprotected sex, sharing needles or drug paraphernalia and more rarely in the UK, mother to child or with blood transfusions
  • Kissing, touching, frottage, sharing utensils, or rimming, does not spread HIV
  • For the past few years the incidence of HIV, at least in the UK, has been falling, dropping by around 30% over the last 5 years
  • In MSM population the decline in new infections have been even greater at almost 40% in 5 years
  • Rates in the heterosexual population have dropped 24% during this same period
  • The successes have been driven by an aggressive test and treat strategy, where all newly diagnosed patients are started on medication as soon as possible
  • And PREP, a daily pill that can prevent HIV infection
  • PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) is a treatment which can be given after a risky exposure and reduces the chances of becoming HIV positive
  • An HIV positive patient on antiretrovirals who has undetectable viral load are no longer infectious (Undetecable=Uninfectious /U=U)

HIV SYMPTOMS

  • Not everyone will develop symptoms
  • Those that do develop a sero-conversion illness
  • Symptoms mimic other viral infections (fever, sore throat, fatigue, aches and pains, rash and swollen glands)

HIV DIAGNOSIS

  • There are different HIV blood tests depending on the length of time since your exposure
  • The early detection RNA test can be done from 10 days post contact and results are back same day (only tests for HIV1)
  • The 5th generation HIV, P24 test can be done from 28 days post contact
  • Antiretroviral medication suppresses the virus to undetectable levels and keeps most people healthy as long as it is taken consistently

 

Our consultation prices start from £100. Please click here for a full list of our prices

0203 197 9100BOOK APPOINTMENT

Dr Wayne Cottrell will be back in the clinic from 18 October and the clinic will be open every weekday from that date

Canada Place Shopping Mall
34 North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HX

0203 197 9100

Monday: 08:00-18:30
Tuesday: 08:00-18:30
Wednesday: 09:00-17:00
Thursday: 09:00-17:00
Friday: 09:00-17:00