The Health Protection Agency is calling for universal HIV testing
Nearly 100,000 people are living with HIV in the UK but a quarter of them are unaware that they have the disease, according to new statisitics.
The figures have come from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) ahead of World AIDS day on December 1.
The HPA has called for universal testing for HIV, so that no one leaves an STI (sexually transmitted infection clinic without knowing their HIV status. As the data also suggests that a stigma is still attached to the condition, revealing that one in five people who visit these clinics in 2010 did not accept a HIV test.
"The HPA report on HIV shows that some people are being alarmingly complacent when it comes to their health. Particularly worrying is the fact that one in five people visitng an STI clinic did not accept a HIV test.This coupled with the fact that it is estimated that over 22,000 people are unaware they have the infection, is a real cause for concern," says Dr Thom Van Every, medical director and sexual health expert at Lloydspharmacy.
"The reality is that a lot of people are put off getting tested because of the ongoing stigma associated with HIV and AIDS. I would urge people to stop and think about how they can take responsibility for their own health.
"There really is no shame in getting tested and World AIDS Day is a fantastic day to reduce the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS - and encourage people that may be concerned - for whatever reason - to take action and get tested.
"For those concerned about confidentiality, we offer a HIV saliva test, which can be ordered online at lloydspharmacy.com/doctor. It's discreet and completely confidential so there is no need for anyone to know. Better still, you will be forearmed with vital information about your health."
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) are also fully supporting World AIDS Day, by highlighting the vital importance of good nutrition for those living with HIV and AIDS.
"Nutritional interventions for those living with HIV are so important to help maintain a strong and healthy body. I would strongly urge anyone who has been diagnosed with HIV to ask their treating doctor or nurse to refer them to a specialist Dietitian," says registered dietician and Chair of the BDA group Dietician in HIV/AIDS (DHIVA).
People living with HIV are living longer and healthier lives thanks to antiretroviral therapy which supresses the virus. A balances diet is important to maintain all aspects of good health including a strong immune system. Together, antiretrovirals and good nutrition are partners in helping people to feel better and manage their disease.
People living with HIV are more likely to develop high cholesterol, diabetes and osteoporosis, partly as a side effect of some of the antiretroviral medicines. As well as playing a role in helping the immune system function better, good nutrition can keep the gut health to enhance absorptopn of nutrients and drugs, it can also help treat and prevent high cholesterol and body fat changes.
Together, a balanced diet, activity and exercise can help maintain an ideal weight and reduce the risk for developing diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Research has shown that regular assessment and advice from a dietitian prevents development of HIV-related high cholesterol.
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