FOR weeks, one Southampton mum thought she was suffering just a mere common cold.

And even when her symptoms worsened she then believed she had nothing more than a chest infection.

It was only after it gone on for a month and antibiotics prescribed by the doctors had failed to make any impact that she went for another opinion.

It was during that visit to Southampton General Hospital that her life was to change forever.

This week is National HIV testing week and now Lucy (her named has been changed) is urging people to get tested before the virus causes irreversible damage.

After a series of tests hospital doctors told the ill mother that she had tested positive. The virus that attacks the immune system and weakens the ability to fight infections and disease.

The mother of one said: “If I did not find out I had HIV I would have died.

“The hospital told me I was not responding to antibiotics and my immune system was beginning to shut down.

“I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to see my daughter grow up.

“I would urge everyone to get tested. You may think that you have an ordinary cold but it could be the HIV virus.

"There is no way of knowing unless you have a test.”

Lucy, her husband and their nine-year-old daughter had lived a seemingly typical life in Northam for 14 years, but after a string of rumours about her husband’s infidelities surfaced, the marriage began to break down.

“When we first met, things were amazing. We were really happy and we had lots of adventures. He was kind and great company. But things changed when we were married,” she said.

It was one year after their divorce her health began to dramatically decline.

Now, 16 years later, the effects of the illness still affect Lucy daily.

Every day the now 50-year-old takes a cocktail of medication to stop the virus replicating in the body, which allows the immune system to repair itself and prevents further damage.

“If you haven’t experienced something personally it is easy to think 'it is never going to happen to me'. I was exactly the same before my diagnosis,”

“I thought only promiscuous people got HIV. I am now aware that this is not the case.

“HIV does not discriminate. There are victims that are old, young, black, white, heterosexual and straight.

“The earlier someone gets tested the easier it is to reduce the damage and the less likely it is to spread.”

Although HIV does not carry the death sentence it once did, the medication can have side-effects. Common side-effects include: diarrhoea, skin rashes, nausea and sleeping difficulties.

However Lucy’s side-effects were more serious and she has now been left physically disabled and in constant pain. But like many HIV sufferers the stigma attached to the virus is the hardest thing to overcome.

Lucy said: “The moment you are told that you are HIV positive, your confidence and self-esteem goes out of the window,”

Since her diagnosis Lucy has struggled to disclose her illness to others. For nearly two decades she has remained single and rarely leaves the house. Even a trip to the nearest supermarket causes severe anxiety issues.

“When I am out, I feel like everyone knows. Which makes me really paranoid.

“I struggle to leave the house and rarely public places let alone parties or social gatherings.

“I only feel comfortable in home.

“But I dream of one day meeting someone and remarrying.

“The worst part about HIV is the loneliness,” she said.

HIV MYTHS

THERE are many myths surrounding HIV - here is a list of the biggest misconceptions of the virus accompanied by the facts. 

  • Mosquitoes spread HIV

Mosquitoes are carriers for several infamous viruses, most notably malaria and dengue fever. Unlike mosquito borne diseases, HIV is unable to replicate within the mosquito’s gut and therefore is broken down.

  • I can get HIV by being around people who are HIV positive

HIV isn’t spread through touch, tears, sweat, saliva, or urine. You can’t catch it by touching a toilet seat or door knob or handle, drinking from a water fountain, hugging, kissing, or shaking hands or sharing eating utensils.

  • I could tell if my partner was HIV positive

People can be HIV-positive and not have any symptoms for years. The only way for you or your partner to know if you’re positive is to get tested.

  • I’m HIV positive. My life is over

In the early years when the disease was epidemic, the death rate from AIDS was extremely high. But today’s drugs allow HIV-positive people

  • I’m straight and don’t use IV drugs. I won’t get HIV

People can get the virus from heterosexual contact: About 1 in 6 men and 3 in 4 women do.

IF YOU live in Hampshire, Portsmouth or Southampton you can order a free postal HIV self sample kit on www.test.hiv/ or a free STI self sample kit on www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk/

All sexual health clinics provide free HIV testing.  You can also request a free HIV test at your GP (family doctor).  If you are pregnant you will also be offered a test as part of your ante-natal care.

Here is a list of all of the sexual Health Clinics in Hampshire, all appointments must be pre-booked on 0300 3002016.

  • Adelaide Gp Surgery, William Macleod Way 
  • Bitterne Health Centre, Commercial Street
  • Hythe Clinic, Waterside Health Centre
  • Royal South Hants Hospital, Brintons Terrace
  • Totton Youth Clinic, Eling Recreation Ground
  • Weston Lane Centre for Healthy Living, Weston Lane
  • Eastleigh Health Centre, Newtown Road 
  • Fareham Health Centre, Osborn Road
  • Winchester Sexual Health, St Clements Surgery