A TV doctor has issued a stark warning to all sexually active individuals in the UK to get tested for HIV, as alarming figures reveal a significant increase in cases among heterosexual men. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that HIV diagnoses in straight men have soared by 36 per cent and by 30 per cent in straight women from 2022 to 2023.
This surge comes despite a recent survey showing that a staggering 73 per cent of men have never been tested for HIV. The poll, conducted by medical testing firm Newfoundland Diagnostics, prompted TV Doctor Hilary Jones to stress the importance of testing.
He stated: “The worrying new data shows that not only is HIV not a problem of the past – things could get much worse. We’ve already seen a rise in new HIV infections compared to previous years, and judging by these findings, risky sexual behaviours will no doubt exacerbate transmission rates.
“This isn’t about stigmatising sexual health, but rather using common sense and taking precautions to ensure personal and community wellbeing. Getting tested regularly, using protection, being open with sexual partners about sexual health status, and being able to access preventative treatments like PrEP are all small steps that can have a massive impact on HIV transmission.”
A recent poll has revealed that 34 percent of people believe they are unlikely to ever contract HIV, while 25 percent claimed they cannot contract the virus. Additionally, 20 per cent admitted they “can’t be bothered” to test for HIV, and a further 15 per cent shared they’d never had access to an HIV test.
This comes as Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, pledged to eradicate new HIV cases within England by 2030. In a first for a sitting prime minister, he took a public HIV test on camera this week.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that weakens the cells in your immune system, reducing your ability to combat everyday infections and diseases. It can develop into AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), which can lead to potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses if the immune system is severely damaged by the HIV virus.
The virus is present in the body fluids of an infected person, including semen, vaginal and anal fluids, blood, and breast milk, but not sweat, urine or saliva. According to the NHS, “The most common way of getting HIV in the UK is through having anal or vaginal sex without a condom.”
Other methods of contracting HIV include sharing needles, syringes or other injecting equipment, and transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. While there is currently no cure for HIV, effective drug treatments are available that enable most people with the virus to lead a “long and healthy life”.
To reduce the risk of contracting HIV, the NHS recommends using condoms, not sharing needles or syringes, and considering PrEP medication if you’re at high risk, such as having a partner with HIV. In line with National HIV Testing Week, Dr Tamara Duretić from the UKHSA’s HIV Section said: “HIV can affect anyone, no matter your gender or sexual orientation. It’s good to see HIV Testing Week once again highlighting the hugely important role regular testing plays in helping to prevent new infections, alongside condom use.
“Testing allows people to have access to free prevention interventions such as PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis) and, should you test positive, ensures timely access to treatment that saves lives and prevents the virus being passed on.”
Anyone can get an HIV test free of charge through the NHS. Testing sites include sexual health or GUM clinics, charity-run clinics like those by the Terrence Higgins Trust, some GP surgeries, contraception and young people’s clinics, local drug dependency services, and antenatal clinics if pregnant.
Private clinics also offer testing, but fees apply. For those who prefer privacy, home sampling and home testing kits are available.
In 2023, England saw a significant increase in HIV diagnoses, with a total of 6,008 cases (including those previously diagnosed abroad). This represents a 51 percent rise from the 3,975 cases reported in 2022 and a 56 percent increase from the 3,859 cases in 2019.