World AIDS Day (1 December) supplies a possibility to recollect those that have died from an AIDS-related sickness and present assist for these dwelling with HIV.
The most recent information in England
The latest data reveals that while new HIV diagnoses in England fell by practically a 3rd between 2019 and 2021 and transmission of the virus continued to say no amongst homosexual, bisexual and different males who’ve intercourse with males (GBMSM), the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed progress in direction of HIV elimination – particularly in heterosexual adults.
In 2021, there have been an estimated 4,400 individuals unaware of their HIV an infection, which is round 5% of all individuals estimated to be dwelling with HIV in England (95,900). An estimated 1,500 GBMSM have been dwelling with an undiagnosed HIV an infection in contrast with 1,100 heterosexual males and 1,500 heterosexual girls.
HIV prevention hinges on lowering the variety of individuals with a transmissible HIV an infection by way of testing, which in flip will cut back the variety of undiagnosed people.
Homosexual, bisexual and males with have intercourse with males ought to have an HIV check and STI display screen a minimum of yearly, or each three months if they’re having intercourse with out condoms with new or informal companions. Black African women and men are suggested to have an HIV check, and a STI display screen frequently, if they’re having intercourse with out condoms with new or informal companions.
Understanding your standing
Getting examined is the one option to know in case you have HIV, and that information is important so you will get the best assist and remedy to your personal well being, in addition to defend well being in native communities.
In England, HIV and wider STI testing is free, confidential, and extra handy than ever, together with on-line self-sampling providers. This implies you may take samples within the consolation and privateness of your individual residence after which ship the package away to get your outcomes. You may also discover a native sexual well being service on the NHS website by way of their sexual well being service locator.
Homosexual, bisexual and males who’ve intercourse with males (GBMSM) and black African women and men are disproportionately liable to buying HIV, which is why figuring out your standing is likely one of the strongest instruments you may have to your personal well being, and to assist in the struggle ending HIV.
The significance of PrEP
It’s essential for these eligible to take up the supply of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) in case you are in danger from HIV (for instance having intercourse with new or informal companions). PrEP is a small pill that with constant use can cease somebody from getting HIV throughout intercourse with out condoms.
In 2021, 61,092 individuals began or continued taking PrEP however inequalities in entry nonetheless exist – London residents, GBMSM and folks over 35 usually tend to have a necessity for PrEP recognized, which leaves these exterior of London and youthful age teams trailing behind the capital.
Whereas extremely efficient at stopping HIV, PrEP gained’t defend you in opposition to different STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhoea and gained’t forestall being pregnant.
Getting assist
In case you are HIV optimistic, beginning remedy early means you may reside a full and wholesome life and keep away from passing on HIV to others.
In 2021, an estimated 11,985 individuals dwelling with HIV had transmissible ranges of the virus. Solely 37% of those have been undiagnosed, the rest weren’t in care, not on remedy or had not but achieved undetectable standing. You might have heard the phrase U=U (Undetectable=Untransmissable) used, the place HIV ranges are extraordinarily low within the blood menaing you’re undetectable or virally suppressed and at this stage, you may’t cross on HIV throughout intercourse.
Partaking with HIV providers and attending appointments will assist make sure that you’re on efficient remedy – maintaining you wholesome and maintaining detectable ranges of HIV in your blood undetectable.
While PrEP or an undetectable HIV standing has revolutionised intercourse lives for these in danger from HIV or dwelling with HIV, it is also essential to recollect different protected intercourse practices, like utilizing condoms, cease different STIs from spreading.
Extra data on HIV
You’ll find out extra about HIV, testing and remedy on the NHS website. Charities such because the Terrence Higgins Trust even have a variety of sources and knowledge on HIV and different sexual well being points.
Extra data on STI testing
Learn our weblog on using a self-sampling STI kit.
