*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature M: MRSA.

Fainting

Fainting is when you pass out for a short time.

It's not usually a sign of something serious, but if it happens you should see a GP.

Causes of fainting

There are many reasons why someone might faint.

Causes include:

Fainting usually happens suddenly. Symptoms can include:

It's probably nothing serious, but it's important to get checked by a GP to find out what might have caused it.

You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you're fainting regularly as it could affect your ability to drive.

You must not drive if your GP has referred you to a specialist and you are waiting to be assessed.

If you feel like you're about to faint, try to:

lie down with your legs raised - if you cannot do this, then sit with your head lowered between your knees
drink some water
eat something
take some deep breaths

If you're with someone who has fainted, try to keep calm.

If you can, lay them on their back and raise their legs.

If they're pregnant (especially if they're more than 28 weeks pregnant), it's better to lay them on their side.

Usually, the person who has fainted will wake up within 20 seconds.

Someone faints and they:

are not breathing
cannot be woken up within 1 minute
have not fully recovered or have difficulty with speech or movement
have chest pain or a pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat (heart palpitations)
have seriously hurt themselves
are shaking or jerking because of a seizure or fit
fainted while exercising
fainted while lying down

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature M: MRSA. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.