Viral infection

HIV/AIDS is a viral infection caused by HIV retroviruses. It can be transmitted:

• through sexual contact
• through sharing of HIV-contaminated needles and syringes
• from mother to child before, during, or shortly after birth

Many people who are living with HIV have no obvious signs or symptoms. The only way of knowing if you have the virus is by taking a HIV test. 

It’s important not to delay seeking advice and taking this test if you feel you have been at risk. 

People with HIV have a near-normal life expectancy if diagnosed early and treated promptly. 

You can find out more about HIV on these pages:

Prevention and safer sex

It is estimated that the majority of cases where the infection has been passed on are from those with undiagnosed HIV.

Once diagnosed, people are less likely to pass on their infection due to treatment and behaviour change. It’s essential for both the person with HIV and those with whom they may have sex that the condition is diagnosed early.

It is also important to take steps to reduce your likelihood of getting HIV. 

If you have unprotected sex, you could effectively be sleeping with everyone your partner’s ever slept with, putting yourself at risk of getting HIV or another sexually-transmitted infection (STI).

If you’re sexually active you should:

• use condoms
• limit the number of sexual partners
• get tested if you think you might be at risk

For information or advice on HIV, or to discuss any sexual health issue, contact your local Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic or your GP.

More useful links

Do some research

Bad experiences shopping online can vary from slow or non-delivery of goods right through to scams where people lose hundreds or thousands of pounds.

When shopping on the internet, whether a website, online marketplace or social media platform, it’s not always easy to know who you’re dealing with. For example, just because a web address ends in ‘.co.uk’ there’s no guarantee that the business is based in the UK – check the seller has a UK contact address.

Before buying online, including if you’re booking a holiday, you’re advised to use the internet to research if there are any problems with the business you are thinking of dealing with.

Searching online using the business’s name followed by the word ‘scam’ can be particularly helpful, as can searching online reviews and forums. 

Always check reviews and feedback on sellers. However, even customer reviews can be fake, particularly those that are over-complimentary and at odds to the many other reviews posted.  Never rely on reviews from one website

Your rights

When you buy goods online from a trader, the goods must be of satisfactory quality as described and fit for purpose.

If there’s a problem with the item you could be entitled to a refund, replacement or repair within the first 30 days from when you bought it.

A refund can be claimed for up to six months from purchase if the goods can’t be repaired or replaced.

As well as this, you will normally have up to 14 days after receiving the goods to change your mind and get a refund.

However, when buying from a private seller you should be aware that your rights are different.

You need to be careful if taking advantage of deals on online marketplaces such as Amazon, Gumtree or eBay, or on social media.

Goods must be as described, but this is the only requirement and you may encounter practical difficulties in sorting an issue if things go wrong. Sellers may also be overseas.

You can get more information at this link:

Buying online advice

Before buying something online:

• make sure the website you’re on is authentic and the payment page secure by checking that the address starts with ‘https’ and there’s a closed padlock in the address bar
• always pay by card or another secure method such as PayPal
• never pay by bank or money transfers, which are a preferred method by scammers
• be careful the goods aren’t counterfeit 
• always read the small print if you see ‘free’ or ‘low-cost’ trial goods
• if it’s events tickets, make sure you only buy from official websites
• always log out of an online shopping account once you’ve paid
• check the seller’s terms and conditions, including cancellation rights and any dispute resolution systems
• watch out for emails or texts from parcel delivery firms telling you to open an attachment for your delivery note – a real delivery firm wouldn’t send you that
• be cautious about links or attachments in unexpected emails or messages

If a business tells you that you have to make a transfer as their card facilities are down, then try another company.

How to complain about online shopping

Anyone who wants to complain about an online shopping experience, or feels that they are a victim of a scam or suspect a scam, should contact Consumerline either by phone on 0300 123 6262 or online.

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Advice for drivers

The Highway Code provides specific advice to drivers on how to take extra care around those on two wheels.

In particular, give cyclists and motorcyclists at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car.

A bike is much harder to see than a car – so extra effort and a greater level of awareness are needed where bikes are concerned.

When you’re driving, look out for riders:

• when turning right
• when emerging from junctions
• when overtaking

Drivers also need to:

• slow down
• pay greater attention to their surroundings
• never drive after drinking or taking drugs
• always wear a seatbelt

There is further information at this link:

Advice for cyclists and motorcyclists

Cyclists and motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable on the roads. When involved in a road collision, their injuries tend to be more severe.

Before they take to the road, they should make sure that they can be seen with appropriate clothing and lighting.

They (as well as pedestrians) need to be aware of their surroundings and, particularly at this time of year, make every effort to been seen by wearing reflective or hi-vis clothing.

Motobike riders also need to:

• slow down
• pay greater attention to their surroundings
• never ride a motorbike after drinking or taking drugs

You can get more useful advice on the rules and advice for drivers and riders page.

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Weather warning

The Met Office has sent out a weather warning for strong winds and heavy rain.

Weather warnings let the public and emergency services know about potentially hazardous conditions.

You can find out more about weather warnings on the Met Office website.

Emergency numbers

You should note the following numbers in case of emergency:

• Emergency services – 999 or 112
• Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
• NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
• Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088
• Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
• Housing Executive – 03448 920 901

Report a fallen tree or blocked road

You can report a fallen tree or blocked road at the following link:

Reporting a power cut

If your power is off and you want to report it or get more information, contact NIE Networks or visit their website:

You can find an updated list of areas affected by power cuts on the NIE Networks website.

Heavy rain and flooding advice

You can get information about how to prepare for flooding and other useful information on this page:

If any flooding happens, you can report it by phoning the Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100.

There is general flooding advice in the following section:

Roads information

You can get the latest updates about roads at this link:

School closures

You can find information about school closures at this link:

Public transport

For the latest information on bus and train services, go to the ‘Travel update’ section on the Translink website.

Forests, country parks and nature reserves

You’re advised not to visit forests, country parks and nature reserves until the strong winds weather warning is over due to the increased risks of fallen trees, branches and debris. 

Advice for road users

All road users are asked to pay attention to any road signs and temporary arrangements put in place during severe weather.  Longer journey times or cancellations are possible as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected, with the chance that some roads and bridges could close.

High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong cross winds, or when passing bridges or gaps in the hedges. 

In very windy weather a vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.

Motorists are also advised to drive with care due to possible wind-blown debris.

Travel advice

If you’re planning to travel by air or sea, you should check with the ferry company or airline in case there are any delays or cancellations.

Strong winds advice

You should: 

• keep your property in a well-maintained condition (for example  replace/ repair any loose roof tiles, guttering, and so on that could potentially come loose and cause injury or damage to property)
• secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture, wheelie bins, trampolines, or anything else that could be blown around
• close and securely fasten doors and windows
• park vehicles in a garage (if you have one) or keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls, and fences
• make sure you are prepared should there be a power cut

During a storm you should:

• stay indoors as much as possible
• if you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees 
• not go outside to repair damage while the storm is ongoing
• not drive unless your journey is really necessary 
• if you’re a farmer, not enter fields bordered by trees or with powerlines unless absolutely necessary

After a storm you should:

• be careful not to touch any electrical/ telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging
• not walk too close to walls, buildings, and trees as they could have been weakened

Preparing for a power cut

It’s important to be prepared for a potential loss of power. You should:

• know where your household fuses and trip switches are so that you can check if the problem is with your electrics only
• test smoke alarms regularly 
• keep a supply of new batteries in torches and radios (for checking updates on news bulletins)
• keep a supply of candles
• keep mobile phones, laptops or tablets fully charged – so you will have use of battery power for a short time at least 
• have the telephone numbers you might need to hand (as well as mobile phones, a non-mains powered landline telephone will help you stay in touch during any disruptions to your power supply)
• if you have a baby at home, make sure you have a supply of pre-prepared formula baby milk (if used) and prepare a flask of hot water to heat bottles and baby food (it is always safer to make up a fresh feed; when this is not possible, feeds should never be stored for longer than 24 hours)

If you depend on electrical equipment that is vital to your health, contact Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Networks to get on their Critical Care Register:

If your electricity goes off

If your electricity goes off, you should:

• check your fuses and trip switches – then check if your neighbours are without power
• leave one light on
• leave your fridge/ freezer switched on with the door shut to maintain a low temperature
• check that other electrical appliances and machinery are switched off at the wall
• preferably use a torch, oil or gas lamp as a source of light rather than candles
• if you must use naked flames, please take extra care and make certain that they are put out before you go to bed
• check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours in your area to make sure they are okay
• if you are using a generator, be careful where you site it in case of carbon monoxide poisoning

Water supply

In the event of difficulties with the water and sewerage, you will get the most up-to-date information on areas experiencing disruption on the NI Water website. This includes a full postcode search facility. 

You can also phone Waterline 24 hours a day/ 365 days a year on:

More useful links