Whereas we might imagine that, at this level, we all know all there’s to learn about HIV and what causes it after a long time of analysis, latest information has revealed that there’s nonetheless an extended method to go, particularly for heterosexual folks.
Newfoundland Diagnostics have lately carried out a examine utilizing a pattern of two,504 folks, into public consciousness and notion of HIV forward of HIV Testing Week this week. Alarmingly, their analysis discovered that many individuals aren’t conscious that anyone can get HIV and have by no means been examined.
In accordance with the researchers, over a million straight folks within the UK consider that they’re proof against HIV. That is exceptionally alarming, on condition that UK Authorities figures present that just about half of HIV instances are heterosexual folks.
73% of straight Brits have by no means examined for HIV
The examine additionally discovered that over a fifth (21%) of heterosexual Brits consider that they’re unlikely to contract HIV, main them to not get examined. Moreover, a million Brits consider that they’re ‘immune’ to the situation.
Different causes for heterosexual folks not testing for HIV embrace by no means having unprotected intercourse (18%), not gaining access to an HIV take a look at (4%) and never being bothered to check for HIV (3%).
General, this analysis exposes a sore lack of schooling inside the UK round HIV and the way it’s contracted and manifests. Newfoundland Diagnostics notes that this mockingly echoes the notorious tombstone adverts of the 80s which mentioned: “don’t die of ignorance.”
Frederick Manduca, co-founder of Newfoundland Diagnostics, mentioned: “While testing does appear to be rising within the long-term, these findings reveal there stays a considerable quantity of ignorance in the direction of testing and its significance amongst heterosexual folks.”
Who can get HIV and the way is it transmitted?
Regardless of a lot of the main target surrounding HIV being on homosexual, bisexual, and males who’ve intercourse with males testing for HIV, way more folks may contract the illness. Anyone who has unprotected intercourse, exchanges bodily fluids or shares needles ought to frequently take a look at for HIV. Anyone can get contaminated with it, no matter sexuality, race, gender, intercourse, or age.
HIV is discovered within the physique fluids of somebody dwelling with HIV. This consists of semen, vaginal, and anal fluids, blood, and breast milk. Within the UK, in line with Newfoundland Diagnostics, the most typical manner of getting it’s by anal or vaginal intercourse with no condom. It can’t be transmitted by sweat, urine, or saliva.
How do I take a look at for HIV?
All HIV checks will test your blood for any blood-borne ailments and can be found as a part of a daily STI test up. You may go to a GUM clinic or sexual well being follow for a take a look at, or you may take a look at at residence with a self-test reminiscent of Newfoundland Diagnostics’ HIV take a look at.