Fifteen minutes – that’s how long it takes to have a HIV test.
National HIV Testing Week is a campaign to promote HIV awareness and regular testing. Regular testing helps to reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV and those diagnosed late.
As part of HIV Testing Week, sexual health service, Spectra, has been offering free and confidential HIV testing at pop-up clinics in the borough and other parts of west London. You can go along and ask questions and have a free HIV test, and it’s all confidential.
Councillor Polly Knewstub, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for healthy equal lives, said: “We’re once again proud to be supporting HIV Testing Week working with our fantastic partners in the charity and healthcare sector to help spread the word.
“Historically, HIV was often associated with gay or bisexual men, but recent data reveals an increasing number of new cases among heterosexual people – many of whom only discover their status through routine blood tests.
“That’s why it’s so important to get tested and seek support early. Testing is available online, in person, or over the phone.
“Let’s continue the conversation about HIV testing and how we can protect one another.”
Get tested
You can also order a free test online through SHL.UK, book an appointment at a sexual health clinic, or speak to an advisor over the phone – all year round.
London has the highest rate of HIV in England, with 38,000 people living with the illness. There are around 1,000 residents living with HIV in the borough, which is about 3% of the London figure.
Prevention
Here are some ways you can prevent HIV transmission:
- Protect yourself during sex – use condoms
- Protect yourself if you inject drugs – only use sterile equipment and don’t share this with others
- Protect yourself by taking PrEP – if you don’t have HIV but are at risk of getting it, speak to your specialised sexual health care provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), it can reduce the risk of getting HIV
- Protect others if you have HIV by taking HIV medicine prescribed by a doctor, such as anti-retroviral therapy (ART)
- Prevent perinatal transmission – if you have HIV and take HIV medicine prescribed by your doctor throughout pregnancy and childbirth, the chances of transmitting HIV to your baby are less than 1%
Treatment
If you think you’ve been exposed to the virus, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medicine may stop you becoming infected. But it must be started within 72 hours of coming into contact with the virus for it to be effective. Available from Accident and Emergency Departments or Sexual Health clinics.
It’s only recommended following higher risk exposure, particularly where the sexual partner is known to be positive.
Antiretroviral drugs – HIV is treated with antiretroviral medicines, which work by stopping the virus replicating in the body, so the immune system can repair itself and prevent further damage.
Free and confidential service
Dr Samindra Ranasinghe is a sexual health consultant employed by London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust and works in the borough.
She said: “We encourage everyone to take advantage of the free, confidential and non-judgement sexual health services available.
“Our experienced staff are committed to providing the highest quality care and support.”
She added: “We now offer Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, also known as PrEP to all high-risk people through our clinics help prevent the transmission of HIV.”
Help and support
- Sexual Health London, SHL.UK – order a free home testing kit online for HIV and STIs
- London North West Sexual Health and Contraceptive Services – if you need to speak to a clinician go to the website for more information
- Living Well CIC – if you are living with or have been affected by HIV you can access free psychological and practical support in the borough. Visit the Living Well CIC website
- If you need to see a clinician the London North West Sexual Health and Contraception Service website has information and advice on HIV/STI testing, PreP, contraception and HIV treatment
