This week Chantelle joins Jess to talk about cabotegravir, the long-acting injectable PrEP that’s changing how people can protect themselves from HIV! And there is also come 'C' word chat, so avoid this episode if it's too soon for festive cheer!

Sources

https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/10/nhs-to-roll-out-first-long-acting-injection-to-prevent-hiv/

https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/first-hiv-prevention-injection-for-people-unable-to-have-daily-prep-recommended

https://www.who.int/news/item/14-07-2025-who-recommends-injectable-lenacapavir-for-hiv-prevention

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/sep/24/hiv-prevention-jab-pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep-lenacapavir-120-poorer-countries-2027

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenacapavir

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This week, Sarah and Jess get into the fascinating world of contact tracing, how it works, why it matters, and what really happens. Oh, and since it’s Halloween, there’s also a quick detour into scary movies and a bit of hot air balloon chat!

Sources

What is partner notification or contact tracing? • SHL.UK

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This week, Sarah and Jess take a curious wander through the origins of sexual health clinics, from the hush-hush beginnings to the open, empowering spaces we know today. Expect all the usual side-chat like why Jess hates collecting prescriptions and what happens when Sarah takes her husband to weddings. Never a dull moment when you're learning about sexual health history with these two!

Sources

The history of sexual health | ADPH

Chancroid - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice

Our Story - MSI Reproductive Choices

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In part 2, Sarah and Jess slip into their metaphorical lab coats (don’t worry, no Bunsen burners involved) to find out exactly how PrEP works in the body. Spoiler: it’s less “magic pill” and more “tiny molecular bodyguard” that blocks HIV from setting up shop. Expect easy science, bad analogies, and at least one “ohhhh, that’s clever” moment. If you’ve ever wondered what PrEP actually does after you swallow it, this is the episode that finally explains it, minus the biology degree.

Sources

What’s the difference between PrEP and PEP for HIV prevention? | aidsmap

About Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - NHS

How and when to take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - NHS

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In the first of two episodes, Sarah and Jess are diving into the world of HIV prevention, and trust us, it’s not as confusing as it sounds once you know your PEP from your PrEP! We’ll be breaking down what each one does, when they’re used, and why DoxyPEP is the newest buzzword in sexual health circles.

Sources

Dick Donato - Wikipedia

What’s the difference between PrEP and PEP for HIV prevention? | aidsmap

DoxyPEP — QueerHealth

About Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - NHS

How and when to take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - NHS

First clinical guidelines published on the use of DoxyPEP | Terrence Higgins Trust

DoxyPEP & Bexsero - 56 Dean Street - Sexual Health Clinic London

Doxy-PEP | CNWL Sexual Health Services

Syphilis cases at highest level for 75 years in England last year | Sexual health | The Guardian

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This week Sarah and Jess are exploring what it means to grow older with HIV. From the insights of Sarah’s surprise client survey to discovering who holds the title of the oldest person living with HIV! We would also like to dedicate this episode to Dr Steve Dawson, a remarkable HIV consultant and an even more remarkable person. His work and kindness touched countless lives and he will be missed.

HIV The Naked Truth - About

Sources

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgmzn8802d7o

HIV charity hosts nude photography exhibit for World AIDS Day - Attitude

The Lisbon patient: exceptional longevity with HIV suggests healthy aging as an ultimate goal for HIV care | BMC Infectious Diseases | Full Text

A 100-year-old man living with HIV shares his secret to a long life

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This week Sarah and Jess take a look at a news story that broke last week, the case of Jonathan Carl, sentenced to 17 years for rape and reckless HIV transmission. Police believe he may have had contact with hundreds of men and are urging potential victims to come forward.

Anyone who may have had contact with Jonathan Carl is urged to contact detectives directly on 0207175273, you can also email, [email protected].

To contact police, you can dial 101 or via our online reporting system and state reference CAD2972/19Sept25.

You can also seek confidential support through NHS sexual health services or charities by following these links: NHS, SHL, Galop, Positive East, NAT, The Havens or SARCs.

Sources

https://news.met.police.uk/news/appeal-for-victims-to-come-forward-following-the-sentencing-of-jonathan-carl-501222

https://www.itv.com/news/london/2025-09-19/hundreds-of-men-urged-to-get-tested-for-stds-after-sex-attacker-convicted

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In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah are talking about the brilliant Ian Charleson, yes, the Chariots of Fire star with the unforgettable grin. Behind the Hollywood buzz, Ian quietly made history by being open about his HIV status at a time when hardly anyone dared. And if that wasn't enough, the segment nobody asked for is back! Condiment Corner makes a continental return...

Sources

Ian Charleson - Wikipedia

Chariots of Fire' star Charleson dies of AIDS - UPI Archives

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In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah swap test tubes for tech talk as they explore the world of Artificial Intelligence. From chatbots that could answer your HIV questions to the ethical dilemmas of letting machines into healthcare, we’re asking: is AI the future of HIV support, or just another shiny distraction?

Sources

Can AI Spark New Progress Against HIV?

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In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah are back from their summer break and diving straight into the future. Sarah shares her slightly wacky idea that virtual reality might just hold the key to helping us reach the 2030 HIV goal...yes, you heard that right! Could VR goggles really make a difference in the fight against HIV? We’ll let you be the judge. Strap in, this one’s a bit bonkers.

Support The HIV Podcast & people affected by HIV - Donate

Sources

How Virtual Reality is changing gaming and intimacy

VR Can Trick the Brain to Feel Sexual Touch | Psychology Today United Kingdom

Augmented Reality: The Future Of Interactive Sex ‹ Onya Magazine

Virtual Reality Erotica: Exploring General Presence, Sexual Presence, Sexual Arousal, and Sexual Desire in Women

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