Give HIV the finger

It is National HIV Testing Week since Saturday 16 November 2019, and there are now more ways to get tested across Shropshire.

Throughout November and December people can now order a free HIV postal test. The test is fast, confidential and simple.

HIV testing

National HIV Testing Week’s campaign aims to promote regular testing among the most affected population groups in England. This helps to reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV and those diagnosed late.

Shropshire’s Sexual Health Services are offering finger prick testing. The 20-minute test is available in Severn Fields clinic in Shrewsbury.

Drop-in clinics at Severn Fields in Shrewsbury

Monday:         12.30pm to 7.30pm

Wednesday:  12.30pm to 3.45pm

Saturday:      8.30am to 11.45pm

An estimated 13,500 people living with HIV in the UK are unaware they are infected, putting them at higher risk of poor health and passing the virus to others. Treatment for HIV has improved significantly but there is still no cure. People infected with HIV and who are taking treatment can live long, healthy lives, but early diagnosis is critical

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:-

“As most people get HIV from someone who doesn’t know they have it, if we all get to know our HIV status we can reduce the chances of this happening. The National HIV Testing Week is a great opportunity for you to get tested and encourage others to do the same. HIV testing is easier than ever: a finger-prick is all it takes.”

Self-sampling HIV test kits are available to anyone living in England. To order a free HIV postal test, visit https://www.startswithme.org.uk/order-a-free-hiv-postal-test/ to see if you are eligible to order a kit.

If you have any symptoms that you are worried about call Shropshrie Sexual Health Services on 0300 123 0994.

You can also find out more about Sexual Health Services in Shropshire here: http://openclinic.org.uk/.