17 November 2015
This year, European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week is taking place between 20th – 27th November 2015. The campaign, which was launched by HIV in Europe, aims to increase positive dialogue among those who ought be tested for HIV and hepatitis and the healthcare professionals who offer the tests.
It is estimated that 1600 people living in Scotland are unaware that they are HIV positive.
NHS Borders is supporting European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week and we are asking people in the Borders who may be at risk of HIV and Hepatitis to get tested. People who may be at risk include men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and people from high prevalence countries particularly sub-Saharan African ones.
HIV attacks your immune system (CD4 cells) and in most cases will weaken your ability to fight infections and other diseases like cancer. There are five different hepatitis viruses which can lead to life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure, and liver cancer.
Dr Tim Patterson, Joint Interim Director of Public Health said: “It is extremely important that people who are at risk of HIV and hepatitis are tested as soon as possible so they can be diagnosed early and protect those around them.”
He added: “HIV treatment advances mean that people living with HIV and hepatitis can live healthily for a long time if they are diagnosed early and those with hepatitis C can be cured.”
If you think you are at risk please visit your GP or contact Borders Sexual Health on 01896 663700 and ask to be tested.
For more information about HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week visit: http://www.testingweek.eu/.