Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the human immune system and weakens its ability to fight infection and disease. Early treatment of HIV keeps the immune system strong and prevents illness. Potential ways in which you might be exposed to HIV and be a risk of infection are explained on the HSE’s Sexual Wellbeing website. Untreated HIV can lead to a number of serious conditions. The earlier the virus is detected, and treatment is commenced, the better.

With the increased availability of CE marked HIV self-tests on the European market, such tests will likely become more widely available in Ireland through pharmacies and internet sales. The purpose of this information notice is to provide advice for people who are thinking about buying a HIV self-test and to highlight some key considerations when sourcing and using HIV self-tests.

Early, appropriate, treatment of HIV is critical; so if you get a positive result from a self-test for HIV, or if you get a negative result and you are still concerned about a potential exposure to HIV you should urgently seek assistance from your GP or a Sexual Health Clinic.