Southport & Mersey Reporter - Mobile

Click on here to go to latest edition's main page.

  Search Edition Archive  

Visit our online shop...

   

Click on to go to our hub website.

Latest Edition   Archive   Shop   Email   Mersey Reporter
Please support our advertiser below...

.CLICK TO SEE OUR RECOMMENDED BUSINESSES
 

Weekly Edition - Publication date:- 2016-12-02

-en Southport & Mersey Reporter

Local News Report  - Mobile Page

 

Do you know your HIV status?

EACH year on 1 December it is World AIDS Day and people in Liverpool are being urged to get their HIV status checked. Tests can be done with a self test kit, like the kit we reported looked at in the previous edition as well as NHS Test centres.

In 2014, an estimated 103,700 people in the UK were living with HIV, 17% of who were unaware of their infection. A total of 6,151 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2014.

HIV is most commonly spread by sexual activities and the exchange of body fluids and can also be transmitted through:- childbirth, breastfeeding and sharing needles.

While some people may develop symptoms similar to flu within the 1st 2 to 6 weeks of catching the virus, others may not show symptoms for many years while the virus slowly replicates.

HIV is still very much a current public health issue with the number of people living with HIV in the UK having trebled in the last 10 years. People need to remember that unprotected sex with new partners poses risks.

HIV testing needs to be normalised so it isn't viewed any differently from any other blood test. There are now highly effective treatments for HIV and it should no longer be seen with fear or stigma. Prompt diagnosis of HIV not only saves lives but reduces spread of the disease. Treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. People on HIV treatment can live a healthy, active life. If HIV is diagnosed late, treatment may be less effective.

Sandra Davies, Director of Public Health in Liverpool said:- "We want to increase awareness of HIV testing and reduce the stigma around it. It is easier than ever to access testing for HIV including home sampling kits, but we know there are still many people who are undiagnosed and living with the disease. We want to encourage regular testing as early diagnosis means people can still live a healthy active life and help prevent people going on to develop AIDS."

Steve Earle, Sahir House Services Manager said:- "Although having a HIV test is a life changing decision for some people, the fantastic advancements in medication over recent years means that knowing your status, as soon as possible, can help people to live well with HIV. I sometimes meet people who have waited a while to choose to test and most agree that they wish it was something they had done sooner as with the medical and social support that is available, people are able to get on with the rest of their lives."

HIV testing is quick, free and confidential. Everyone should know their status.  If you would like more information about:- 'World AIDS Day' or want information to raise awareness, please visit:- Sahir.Org.UK  

Please let us know via emailing us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.com.

To read about our Editors experience at getting tested, when we looked at STI testing back in 2012, click on here.

 

News Report Page Quick Flick.

Click on here to go to the mobile menu page for this edition. News Report Page Quick Flick
 

Read this page.
Sorry your browser does not support the audio element on this page.

Southport Reporter (R) Bourder


  


 

 

 RSS Our Weekly Headlines

 


(+44)  08443 244 195
Calls to this number may be recorded for security, broadcast, training and record keeping.
 

4a Post Office Ave, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0US, UK

 

Click on to see our Twitter Feed.  Click on to see our Facebook Page.  Click on to follow our LinkedIn Profile. This website is licence to carry news from Vamphire.com and UK Press Photography. 

This is our media complains system...

We are regulated by IMPRESS, the independent monitor for the UK's press.

How to make a complaint
Complaints Policy
Complaints Procedure
Whistle Blowing Policy

 



Southport Reporter® is the
Registered Trade Mark of Patrick Trollope

...