AS part of National HIV Testing Week, running from November 22-29, the Blood Borne Virus team at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is asking the public to assess their risk and get themselves tested.

The team is supporting the national ‘It starts with me’ campaign, encouraging people to take an HIV test at least once a year and stop the spread of HIV.

Most people who are HIV positive acquire it from someone who doesn’t realise that they have the virus. Testing is free, confidential, simple and fast.

In the UK more than 100,000 people have HIV, but one in four doesn’t know.

HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids, most commonly via sex without a condom or by sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.

People concerned they may be at risk can get tested at the Arrowside Unit at the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch. GPs may also give advice about testing.

Local drug and alcohol services can also provide screening. 

Members of the Blood Borne Virus team will also be taking part in an All-Day Health Event from 11am to 3pm on Tuesday, December 3 at the Hive in Worcester. This event will give the public a chance to talk to the professionals about HIV and find out what services are available in Worcestershire.

To help the local population understand more about HIV and the care and treatment available in Worcestershire, the team have also created a website full of up-to-date and useful information.

Visit www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/hiv to find out more.