South Tyneside sexual health services are again this year out in force within the borough, raising awareness of the prevalence and incidence rates of HIV, aiming to normalizing testing and uptake of HIV screening. The service will be out in the community across South Tyneside working with colleges, employers and other local services raising awareness of the campaign.
- An estimated 101,200 people are living with HIV in the UK, 69% Men and 31% Women.
- Nationally, around 13,000 people remain undiagnosed with HIV in the UK.
- 71% diagnosed with HIV were aged between 25 and 49 years however the proportion diagnosed at aged 50 increased from 9% to 17%
- Those who are undiagnosed spend an average of three to five years unaware they have the virus
- Treatment in the UK is free for HIV even for non-permanent resident’s.
- PREP ( Pre Exposure prophylaxis). This treatment is given before sexual exposure that helps prevent HIV transmission in patients who are considered at higher risk of acquiring this infection. For further advice about this, please visit https://www.prepimpacttrial.org.uk/ or contact South Tyneside Sexual Health Services. Furthur information can also be found by visiting https://www.iwantprepnow.co.uk/
- PEP ( Post exposure prophylaxis) is a treatment available to prevent HIV infection that should be taken within 72 hours of possible high risk exposure to HIV. Advice and information can be found by visiting or contacting South Tyneside Sexual Health Services or A&E departments if out of hours.
- Free self-sampling HIV tests are available in many areas of the country. Click here to enter your details for eligibility https://www.test.hiv/
South Tyneside Sexual Health in support of ‘it Starts With Me’ for National HIV Testing week 2018