‘Take the Test’ on HIV Testing Day

This Thursday (June 27) is HIV Testing Day and, as such, the Department of Health is launching an annual campaign to encourage people of all ages to, "Take the Test, Take Control."

On June 27th 2013, the Communicable Disease Control Clinic, located at Area D of the Hamilton Health Centre (67 Victoria Street) will observe HIV Testing day by offering free, confidential HIV testing from 8:30am to 3:30pm inclusive.  The test is easy, free, fast and confidential.

“If you’re HIV-positive, it means that the virus is inside you — even though you may not feel sick,” explained Public Health Nurse, and organizer of the campaign, Ms Kim Ball. “If you have HIV, getting medical care early and taking medicines regularly helps you live a longer, healthier life and also lowers the chances of passing HIV on to others.

“Testing yourself for HIV is important for your health, your relationships, your life and your future.”

Additionally, the Department of Health has encouraged pharmacies on island to make over-the-counter HIV screening kits available.  These are safe and approved for persons 17 years and older and the test is done in the privacy of your own home.  There is no blood involved, just a swiping of the gums, and results appear in 20 minutes.

The Department of Health recommends that all adults be tested for HIV at least once as part of regular medical care.  Others at greater risk should get tested once a year or more often.

It is recommended that persons are tested at least once a year if they engage in activities that can result in HIV infection.  These include:

Sex without condoms;

Sex with multiple sex partners or with a partner with multiple sex partners;

Sex with someone who is HIV positive or whose HIV status you don't know;

Sex between a man and another man;

Using illegal injected drugs or steroids;

Shared needles or syringes;

Exchanging sex for money; or

A diagnosis or treatment for hepatitis, tuberculosis or a sexually transmitted disease like syphilis.

If you have been exposed to events that could result in HIV infection, you should test 3 months after the event.

HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, damages specific blood cells which are crucial to helping the body fight diseases.  HIV is the virus that, if left untreated, can cause AIDS or "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome."  There is currently no cure for HIV or AIDS, but people are living long, healthy lives while managing the virus.

Anyone can get HIV; men, women and children of any age, race or ethnic group, religion, economic background or sexual orientation.  According to the latest statistics from the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, there are at least 300 persons in Bermuda infected with HIV.  Additional persons may be infected and unaware of their HIV status.

You can protect yourself and, at the same time, help to stop the spread of HIV by using a condom correctly every time you have sex and by encouraging your sexual partner to do the same.