People urged to 'Give HIV the finger' on HIV Testing Week
The campaign comes amid a 30% decline in the number of people testing for HIV in 2020
Last updated 8th Feb 2022
People in Cumbria are being urged to test for HIV, as part of a national campaign to diagnose the virus early.
It's possible to live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms, but in 2020, 42% of those first diagnosed in England were diagnosed late, increasing the risk of long-term health issues.
Speaking to CFM Radio, NHS Sexual Health Consultant in North Cumbria - Professor Matt Phillips - told us the earlier someone receives a HIV diagnosis, the better are the chances of having a full and healthy life.
"HIV is very treatable, even in a late diagnosis. However, the risk of further complications gets higher and higher the more the immune system has been affected, so the earlier someone is tested and treated, the better."
According to NHS figures, one in 20 people with HIV are unaware they have it, increasing the risk of passing it on to sexual partners.
The campaign 'Give HIV the finger' aims to encourage more people to get tested.
New NHS figures show a 30% decline in HIV testing in sexual health clinics, in 2020.
The number of people diagnosed with HIV also fell by a third between 2019 and 2020.
Professor Matt Phillips told us the pandemic could be a contributing factor to these numbers.
"It is potentially one of the impacts of Covid-19, that less people were tested and therefore fewer diagnoses were made. However, sexual health services are up and running again."
"Everyone has an HIV status, whether that is positive or negative. HIV Testing Week is about getting it on top of everyone's radars.
"Have you had a test? Should you think about getting one? How frequently you should be tested for HIV depends on your risks and it's always worth talking to a medical or clinical professional, they will be able to advise." - says Prof Matt Phillips.
Testing for HIV can be done with a quick blood test in one of North Cumbria's sexual health clinics.