Health and wellbeing
“Get tested” this National HIV Testing Week
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Walsall Council is getting behind National HIV Testing Week to encourage residents to order a free home testing kit.
For this year’s National HIV Testing Week (6 to 12 February 2023), Walsall Council is getting behind the campaign to encourage residents to know their HIV status by ordering a free home testing kit.
Testing for HIV is quick, free, confidential and easy. People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms, and testing is the only way to know your HIV status.
Most people will get a negative result, however it’s important to know that anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support and continue living a healthier life.
If you have HIV, finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else.
Home tests can also be ordered for free online at https://freetesting.hiv/.
“ Testing for HIV is now easier than ever with testing kits available to order online.
There’s still a stigma around HIV despite it now being a highly treatable virus once diagnosed. I know, for many people, coming forward for a test can be daunting, however I want to reassure people that it is completely normal, and knowing your HIV status is key to taking control of your own health.
If you test negative, you can take steps to continue to protect yourself, and if you test positive you can start simple and effective treatment as soon as possible.
People diagnosed early with HIV can remain fit and well and live as long as everyone else with the correct treatment. Importantly, people on the correct treatment for HIV are not infectious, meaning the virus is completely controlled and cannot be passed on to anyone else.
HIV testing week is a great reminder to anyone who is sexually active to take regular HIV tests and to start including regular testing in their self-care routines. “
Tanya Grainger, Senior Sister for Walsall Integrated Sexual Health, said:
“National HIV Testing week provides the perfect opportunity to encourage people to get tested more often and to know their HIV status.
“We have seen how HIV has gone from a virus which was fatal, to one which people can live well with as a manageable condition.
“HIV symptoms can take years to develop, so people who are fit and well could have HIV. The only way to find out is to have a test.
“Walsall residents can access free HIV testing kits by post by visiting the national website https://freetesting.hiv/ . We know having to come down to the clinic can be difficult for some people, that is why it is so important that tests can be ordered online.
“The test is painless and takes under two minutes. Results are sent back by text message within 14 days, so there is not long to wait. If you do have HIV, there is free treatment and support available to you.
“Finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus on to anyone else.
“Please don’t wait to get tested, know your status.”
Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council, said:
“The risk of HIV is there, no matter what a person’s sexual orientation is. Anyone can become infected and unknowingly infect others if they do not know their HIV status.
“It is vital we are all aware of the risks of not testing and of the options to reduce and manage our own risk.”
Everyone deserves the opportunity to have accurate information about HIV, and easy access to testing and treatment so that they can enjoy long healthy lives.
ENDS
Notes to editors
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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/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/
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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.
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Further advice and guidance, including ordering a free home test kit is available at startswithme.org.uk
