|
Wirral Council encourage HIV
testing for adults during HIV testing week
NATIONAL HIV Testing Week 2016 will
start on Saturday, 19 November 2016.
Wirral Council and Wirral Community Trust are promoting HIV awareness and HIV
testing for adults in Wirral, of any age, gender or sexual preference who would
like to know their HIV status.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens a person's immune system, the part of
the body that fights off diseases and can be caught by anybody through
unprotected sex.
If you can answer 'Yes' to any of the statements below and are concerned
that you could have been exposed to HIV, then you should consider testing.
► I had a casual relationship with a new friend I met on holiday.
► I went on a date with someone I met online and ended up having sex with them.
► I have had 2 or more
'no strings'
sexual partners in the past year.
► I find using condoms with a new partner a
hassle.
► I'm into girls and guys.
► None of the above, but I wonder if I could
still be at risk of HIV.
Adults who are concerned that they've taken risks and could've been exposed to
HIV should contact any of the services in Wirral listed below, for confidential
help and support. HIV testing is free, quick and confidential.
► Sexual Health Clinics (various locations) can be
found
online.
► Via the Terrence Higgins Trust in
Birkenhead.
► By post (for some people) via:-
Test.HIV.
Finding out not only gives you peace of mind, but also means that you can get
treatment that can keep you in good health.
Fiona Johnston, Director of Public Health, Wirral Council says:- "With
National HIV Testing Week approaching, I would encourage all those who think
they may be at risk of HIV, such as men who have sex with men, or those who are
worried after having unprotected sex, to seriously consider testing. Treatment
is improving all the time, and the earlier the infection is caught, the better.
Condoms are the best barrier against HIV, other sexually transmitted infections
(STIs) and unplanned pregnancies." |
