Do not become another HIV statistic


The case for getting regularly tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), could not have been made more strongly than with the STIs figures released in the last April.

A study carried out by Healthy Ireland in 2015 found:
- The number of STIs in Ireland has increased from 3,391 reported in 1995 to 12,626 in 2015.
- 498 people were diagnosed with HIV in 2015, compared to 372 in 2014. 40% of these were men who had sex with men.

There was also a worrying trend of sexually active people not protecting themselves from getting STIs during sex.
- 17% of people having casual sex do not use protection during sex.
- 54% of men who admitted to having casual sex with other men without using a condom.

Health service providers are even more concerned that there are likely many people living with undiagnosed HIV because they are not getting tested.

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a sexually transmitted virus that attacks and weakens the body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infections. As a result, even the most minor infections can be life threatening to an HIV positive person who is not getting the right treatment.

HIV is transferred through body secretions, which includes blood, and if left undetected goes on to become full blown AIDS. At that point, there is no come back currently. Going from HIV to AIDS takes variable amounts of time and medication now aims to delay this to such a level that it may not even shorten your life. In fact, if HIV is picked up very early, the current medication is giving people a NORMAL lifespan. However, the longer the delay in diagnosis, the less impact the antivirals have. So, don't delay in your checks.

If you are changing partners regularly, you should be having checks regularly, especially if you are not using condoms.

HIV can be tested after 4 weeks, but a follow-up test is needed at 13-14 weeks to be sure.

You should I get tested for HIV if:
- You are sexually active
- If you have or are injecting drugs
- If you suspect that you have been exposed to HIV

In its early stages, HIV has no symptoms. In fact, a number of STIs are asymptomatic (show no symptoms). The only way to know your status is to get checked tested, regularly.

See more detail about HIV

Are you getting more than pleasure from your sexual partners?

Do not assume your sexual partner or partners are clean. Ask if and when they were last tested for STIs, and whether their results came back clean. Protecting yourself is worth the embarrassment. We recently carried out a quick Twitter poll, asking people how often they asked their sexual partners if they had been tested for STIs.


Getting tested for HIV

The HIV test involves taking a blood sample and testing you for antibodies produced when you are infected with HIV. It can take up to 3 months before these antibodies show up in your blood.

HIV testing clinics and centres will talk to you about your sexual history and address questions you might have before the test. They would also provide advice, or let you know how to get help if your test is positive. You cannot afford to be careless with your sexual health. Many STIs like HIV, Chlamydia, Syphilis, and others can have lasting, and sometimes fatal results.

You can only be sure you are safe and healthy if you get tested, and get tested regularly.

Written by Florence on May 6, 2016