Prevention and management of HIV in primary care

In this case-based module, sexual health specialist nurse Jodie Crossman explains key issues in the management of patients with or at risk of HIV in primary care

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is an infection which causes damage to the immune system.¹ Although there is currently no cure for HIV there is highly effective treatment which, with early detection, will ensure someone living with HIV stays well and has a normal life expectancy.

HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids including semen, vaginal fluid and blood. If someone is diagnosed with HIV and is on effective treatment, they are unable to transmit the virus to anybody else. This is known as U=U, for Undetectable = Untransmittable.²

Just over 100,000 people in the UK are living with HIV – about 1 in every 600 people.¹ Of these, around 5,000 are undiagnosed. Of those who are engaged in care, almost half are aged over 45 and many experience age related co-morbidities such as hypertension and hyperlipidaemia.³

Nurses in primary care can play a valuable role in supporting people living with HIV by sharing care with their HIV team. This may involve facilitating management of comorbidities, offering opportunities for vaccination and supporting mental health. They are also ideally placed to identify people who might benefit from the preventive treatments that are now available and support them into care.

People living with HIV do not require any additional infection control measures in healthcare settings, and should not be treated differently from other patients.

Learning objectives

This module will enhance your understanding of:

• The role of primary care in HIV management and re-engagement.
• Indications for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and refer appropriately.
• How to identify opportunities and indicators for HIV testing and reduce stigma in consultations.
• Providing person-centred support and signpost to HIV services.

Author: Jodie Crossman is Clinical Nurse Specialist in genitourinary medicine at Brighton Sexual Health and Contraception services and co-chair of the STI Foundation

Date published: 16.12.2025

References

1. Lewis A et al.  National HIV Testing Week 2023. House of Commons Library. 2023
2. Terrence Higgins Trust. Can’t Pass It On. 2021  
3. British HIV Association. Shared Care: how can we do it? Findings from the BHIVA Primary Care Project – BHIVA. 2025