National HIV Testing Week returns

posted by: Susan Mills

National HIV Testing Week is an annual campaign to promote and encourage regular testing across England.

It is particularly targeted at groups most affected by HIV, including gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and heterosexuals of Black African ethnicity.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

It’s a virus that harms your immune system. Your immune system helps your body fight infections.

If HIV isn’t treated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

The good news? With early diagnosis and effective treatment, most people with HIV live long, healthy lives and never develop AIDS. That’s why it’s important to know your status and get tested.

This national week encourages you to get tested for HIV.

There are many testing options available including:

• order a free HIV test kit from freetesting.hiv
• at-home testing kits though your personal health record
• testing in sexual health clinics
• testing at your local GP

To help find your local testing services you can use our find a service tool.

#NHIVTW