How HIV testing makes sense for African people.
Here’s what a test can give you:
Better health
If you have HIV, the earlier you find out, the sooner you get treatment that will keep you in good health. Treatment is free for everyone in the UK no matter what your immigration status.
A longer life Healthy children Test early and start treatment in time and someone with HIV can expect to live into their 70s.
When one partner in a relationship has HIV, treatment means it’s now possible for the couple to get pregnant safely. And if a woman has HIV, as long as she takes treatment during her pregnancy, she has a 99% chance of giving birth to a baby free from HIV.*
Peace of Mind
Test negative and you can get on with life, free from worry, more motivated to stay safe and confident that you’ve not put others at risk. Test positive and feel reassured that doctors are looking after you, and that treatment can keep you healthy. * Health Protection Agency, 2012.
Here’s what NOT testing means:
Worry
Maybe you’ve taken risks and worry that you’ve now got HIV – or given it to others without realising. Testing can end this anxiety.
Doubt
Delaying testing can mean months or years of doubts about risks you’ve taken. A test lets you know where you stand.
Unnecessary illness
Most Africans in Britain with HIV find out they have it late, after the virus has badly damaged their health. Finding out early means that you can get first class medical care. This can stop you getting the serious illnesses that people who delay testing often suffer (such as TB and pneumonia).
Early death
Waiting until you fall ill before you find out you have HIV can have very serious results. When people with HIV die, it’s often because they tested too late to get the full benefit from treatment.
Testing’s easier than ever. It’s ...
Some HIV tests give your result in a few minutes. Some need only a prick of blood from your finger; others just test your spit. You can test at your local sexual health clinic, a community testing service or your doctor’s surgery. Now you can even test at home. Many African people in the UK have HIV and many don’t know it, so a test at least once a year is recommended - or sooner after unprotected sex with a new or casual partner. Find out where you can test locally, or order a free postal test to do at home, at:
StartsWithMe.org.uk startswithmeuk
@startswith_me
This booklet was produced by Terrence Higgins Trust for HIV Prevention England a partnership that includes the following organisations working with African communities.
This booklet was distributed by:
Š Terrence Higgins Trust, April 2013. Code 1702526. Terrence Higgins Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (reg. no. 288527) and in Scotland (SC039986). Company reg.no. 1778149. A company limited by guarantee. If you have any questions or comments about this resource, or would like information on the evidence used to produce it, please email feedback@tht.org.uk The information included in this publication was correct at the time of going to press. We plan to review this publication within two years. For updates or for the latest information, visit tht.org.uk Design Felton Communication 020 7405 0900 Ref: 12917.8