It’s easier than ever to get tested and treated for HIV
17/02/2021
Nearly half of people who test positive for HIV are finding out very late, meaning the virus may have damaged their health permanently
HIV testing is now easier than ever for anyone to access. People can now get tested by ordering a home testing kit with the results being sent to them by text. Tests can be ordered by going to the Free Testing website.
During the national HIV testing week (1 February to 7 February), 825 HIV tests were delivered to Oxfordshire residents – more than triple the usual amount.
The advice is that people should get tested regularly if they change partners, or have been practising unsafe sex, regardless of their sexuality.
Dr Shakiba Habibula, Consultant in Public Health at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Since HIV was first detected, medical advances have meant that most people can live long, happy, healthy lives with a diagnosis, provided that they get that diagnosis as early as possible.
“If you are worried, please do not put off testing. With the advances in treatment, being diagnosed with HIV means you can still live a healthy life with proper treatment. The earlier you are diagnosed with HIV and start treatment, the better the outcome for your health.
“Always remember that using a condom is still one of the most effective ways of not contracting HIV or any sexually transmitted infection (STI).”
There are still 101,000 people living with HIV in the UK and 497 of these are in Oxfordshire. People still face ignorance and discrimination that can limit their opportunities.
Although the HIV epidemic is slowing in the UK, nearly half of people who test positive are finding out they have HIV very late, meaning the virus may have damaged their health permanently. Public Health England data shows that out of 32 people aged 15 and over who tested positive for HIV in Oxfordshire a total of 11 were diagnosed late between 2017 and 2019.
By catching the virus early and with the right treatment, most people with HIV can now live very full, long and happy lives.
Medication is also available that can now help to prevent the spread of HIV. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can be taken by someone who is likely to be exposed to the virus if they had sex. Anybody of any gender or sexuality can take PrEP and it can be accessed from sexual health clinics.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
