This National HIV Testing Week, Walsall Healthcare and Walsall Council are getting behind the campaign to show how the risk of HIV can be managed through a simple, free home test kit.

Testing for HIV is  quick, free, confidential and a really easy way to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms, and testing for the disease is the only way to know whether or not you have it. If you do have HIV, it can be treated to ensure that you stay healthy and can avoid passing it on to others.

Home test kits, using a small blood sample from a finger prick, can be ordered online or taken through Walsall’s Sexual Health services so that testing can be done easily and discreetly from home. HIV is a chronic but manageable condition, and getting an early diagnosis allows people to protect themselves and receive treatment quickly should they need it.

It is important that people know their HIV status so that they can access effective treatment early and reduce the risk of passing it on to others.

Tanya Grainger, Senior Sister for Walsall integrated Sexual Health (WiSH), said: “National HIV Testing week provides the perfect opportunity to encourage people to get tested more often and to know their HIV status.

“We have seen how HIV has gone from a virus which was fatal, to one which people can live well with as a manageable condition. HIV symptoms can take years to develop, so people who are fit and well could have HIV. The only way to find out is to have a test.

“Walsall residents can access free HIV testing kits by post by visiting our website www.walsallsexualhealth.co.uk. We know having to come down to the clinic can be difficult for some people, that is why it is so important that tests can be ordered online.

“The test is painless

Tanya Grainger, Senior Sister for Walsall integrated Sexual Health, said: “National HIV Testing week provides the perfect opportunity to encourage people to get tested more often and to know their HIV status.

“We have seen how HIV has gone from a virus which was fatal, to one which people can live well with as a manageable condition.

“HIV symptoms can take years to develop, so people who are fit and well could have HIV. The only way to find out is to have a test.

“Walsall residents can access free HIV testing kits by post by visiting our website www.walsallsexualhealth.co.uk. We know having to come down to the clinic can be difficult for some people, that is why it is so important that tests can be ordered online.

“The test is painless and takes under two minutes. Results are sent back by text message within 14 days, so there is not long to wait. If you do have HIV, there is free treatment and support available to you.

“Finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus on to anyone else.

“Please don’t wait to get tested, know your status.”

Stephen Gunther, Director of Public Health at Walsall Council, said: “Testing for HIV is now easier than ever with testing kits available to order online.
“There’s still a stigma around HIV despite it now being a highly treatable illness once diagnosed and I know, for many people, coming forward for a test can be daunting, however I want to reassure people that it is completely normal, and knowing your HIV status is key to taking control of your own health.

“If you test negative, you can take steps to continue to protect yourself, and if you test positive you can start simple and effective treatment as soon as possible.

“People diagnosed early with HIV can remain fit and well and live as long as everyone else with the correct treatment. Importantly, people on the correct treatment for HIV are not infectious, meaning the virus is completely controlled and cannot be passed on to anyone else.
“HIV testing week is a great reminder to anyone who is sexually active to take regular HIV tests and to start including regular testing in their self-care routines.”

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council, said: “The risk of HIV is there, no matter what a person’s sexual orientation is. Anyone can become infected and unknowingly infect others if they do not know their HIV status.

“It is vital we are all aware of the risks of not testing and of the options to reduce and manage our own risk.”

Everyone deserves the opportunity to have accurate information about HIV, and easy access to testing and treatment so that they can enjoy long healthy lives.”