When Ellie Harrison learned she was HIV-positive at just 21, the news came as a complete surprise. She had been in a long-term relationship and ordered a routine home STI kit before returning to university. The result changed everything—and highlighted how easily HIV can go unnoticed.

Ellie recalls having what she assumed was a stubborn flu that lingered for weeks. Only later did she realise this may have been seroconversion, the stage when the virus becomes active in the bloodstream. Aside from that episode, she felt entirely well and had no reason to expect anything serious.

The NHS notes that early HIV symptoms differ widely from person to person. Some people experience a short-lived, flu-like illness with fever, sore throat, swollen glands, fatigue, muscle aches, or a rash. Because these mirror common viral infections, they’re often overlooked. In many cases, individuals may experience no symptoms at all for years.

HIV is transmitted when infected bodily fluids enter another person’s bloodstream. This most commonly occurs through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or, in rare cases, from parent to baby during pregnancy. Crucially, people receiving effective treatment reach an “undetectable viral load,” meaning they cannot pass the virus on. Major international studies have confirmed this repeatedly.

Today, Ellie uses her experience to raise awareness and challenge outdated assumptions about who can be affected. She stresses the importance of testing, especially since early treatment—usually one pill a day—allows people to live healthy lives and prevents further transmission.

For more guidance or testing options, the NHS and National AIDS Trust offer confidential support.