Health and wellbeing
Get tested to know your status this National HIV Testing Week
Published on
National HIV Testing Week is from Monday 5 February to Sunday 11 February and Walsall Council is encouraging all residents to know their status by ordering a free HIV test kit.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of HIV Testing Week, dedicated to raising awareness and promoting early diagnosis.
The campaign also encourages people to be part of the generation that ends new transmissions by 2030 through early testing, treatment, condoms and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
The good news is that testing is free, confidential, quick and easier than ever, and it can be done from the comfort of your home. All it takes is a fingerpick and results are usually back within a week.
Regular testing offers benefits for everyone. Most people will get a negative result, meaning you can continue to take steps to protect yourself such as using a condom (which can help protect from unplanned pregnancies or other sexually transmitted infections) and using PrEP, if you are at higher risk, to reduce the risk of getting HIV.
People can live with HIV without knowing. Early diagnosis means that you can start treatment, enabling you to live a long and healthy life and access the support that you need. In addition, once someone has HIV, is on treatment and has undetectable levels of the virus, it cannot be passed onto others. This is known as undetectable = untransmittable.
Walsall residents can order a free kit by going to https://freetesting.hiv
“ We are excited to be once again backing the National HIV Testing Week campaign. Knowing your HIV status is important to take control of your health. HIV testing is free, confidential and easily available, and it's the only way to know for sure if you have the virus.
Most people will have a negative result. Whatever happens, you can access treatment and support to ensure a long and healthy life. Once you’re on the right treatment, and you have undetectable levels of the virus, it can’t be passed on to others. I would encourage residents to find out their status and order a test kit. “
To find out more about HIV testing, protection, treatment and other sexual health advice go to: https://www.startswithme.org.uk/
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- HIV stands for ‘human immunodeficiency virus’. It is an infection caused by a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. In the UK, it is most commonly transmitted by having anal or vaginal sex without a condom. Information about HIV is available on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/
- HIV testing is offered to everybody as part of a sexual health screen. Staff will be able to talk through any concerns that you may have.
- Further advice and guidance, including ordering a free home test kit is available at startswithme.org.uk
- Walsall Integrated Sexual Health service sees people of all ages, offering free and confidential advice. To find out more or book an appointment, visit WiSH (walsallsexualhealth.co.uk) or call 01922 270400
