Do you know the answer?
Vishi has only had sex once and knows that Samil was a virgin too, so knows there’s no point in getting tested for HIV.
Is Vishi correct?
What was your thought pattern?
Did you trust that Samil was really a virgin? How would you know? Did you trust Vishi? What if one of them was lying? What if one was a drug user or had a parent who discovered they were HIV positive when one of them was born but had never told them? What if……?
If you are having sex, then HIV testing should be part of your regular health routine.
Even if:
- you always use protection
- you’ve tested negative before
- you have no symptoms
- you are in a stable, long-term relationship,
YOU should get tested. As some older family member will no doubt have told you at some time in your life - it’s better to be safe than sorry! And, what’s great is, now, it’s even easier than ever to be tested!
This year, National HIV Testing Week takes place from Monday 6th to the 12th of February and it’s an opportunity to get educated on HIV, learn about the importance of testing, and find out how to get involved in the fight against HIV. This event seeks to reduce the number of people living with HIV who do not know their status, as well as to reduce the number of new HIV infections.
Whether you’re HIV-positive, HIV-negative, or don’t know your status, you can get involved and help raise awareness about HIV.
You can participate in testing, you could run a campaign at work, provide testing opportunities, support a friend or family member to get tested, or just spread the word about the importance of getting tested and knowing your status. You don’t have to be an expert to participate in National HIV Testing Week. All you need is a willingness to learn, a desire to make a difference, and a commitment to challenge stigma.
Testing is the ONLY way to know for sure whether you are HIV positive.
You can choose between a finger prick test and an oral gum swab. Not everyone gets symptoms and if you wait around to get them you could damage your immune system. Testing is free (on the NHS) and completely confidential, so no one will know your status. You can also pay to get tested at a private clinic or buy a self-testing kit.
If you have had unprotected sex, get tested right away because, if you get tested within 72 hours, you might be able to get PEP - a medication that can prevent HIV even after exposure.
There is a two-way relationship between stigma and HIV. People who experience stigma are more vulnerable to HIV and people with HIV often experience stigma.
If you are having sex - why not get tested? It’s quick, confidential, and free and it starts with you!
