Take a free test to help reduce infection from HIV

Free self-sampling HIV tests are being offered as part of a national campaign to help reduce undiagnosed HIV.

The National HIV Testing Week runs from Saturday 21 November 2016 and is being supported by Shropshire Council’s public health. The campaign aims to reduce undiagnosed HIV infection through increased testing, as well as preventing new infections though condom promotion.

Local data shows that rates of HIV diagnosis are lower in Shropshire than national averages; however, there are still a high number of patients being diagnosed at a late stage. If you have HIV for a long time without knowing, it can damage your body and even shorten your life.

More testing means more people are aware of their status, making them better placed to prevent HIV being passed on. Also, the sooner someone with HIV starts treatment, the better it is for their health – it protects them from illnesses which could shorten their life.

HIV medication can reduce the amount of HIV in the body to such low levels it is undetectable. Someone who is undetectable cannot pass on HIV to others.

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, and Chair of Shropshire’s Health and Well-being Board, said:-

“Most people get HIV from someone who doesn’t realise they have it. If more people test and get the medication they need, we could dramatically cut the numbers who get HIV in the future.

“I would strongly encourage people to take the self-sampling test. It’s completely free fast, confidential and simple – you can even do it at home.”

To get your Free HIV self-sampling test kits are available from https://www.test.hiv/.

It is a good idea to test at least once a year (or more often if you have unprotected sex with more than one partner).

For information about Sexual Health services in Shropshire visit http://www.healthyshropshire.co.uk/topics/sexual-health/