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Free rapid HIV testing will take place in Cork on Friday 13th and Monday 16th June – Irish AIDS Day is Sunday, 15th June. Photo: iStock

With Irish AIDS Day approaching on Sunday, 15th June, The Sexual Health Centre is offering free rapid HIV testing in Cork on Friday 13th and Monday 16th.

In 2013 there were 344 people newly diagnosed with HIV in Ireland, compared with 340 in 2012. This is almost one new diagnosis a day, for a disease which is preventable. To date, 6,979 people have been diagnosed with HIV in Ireland since the early 1980’s.

RAPID RESULTS – EASE OF MIND

“Rapid HIV testing shows results in less than 30 minutes, so the stress of waiting is dramatically reduced”, says Deirdre Seery, CEO of The Sexual Health Centre.

“Many people tell us that they really appreciate not having to wait a week for the results” says Phil Corcoran, centre co-ordinator who is one of the people who performs the tests. “When I see the relief on their faces, just from doing the test, I realise the pressure they have been under”, says Phil.

The proportion of men to women is now 3 to 1. The highest rate of new diagnosis is amongst men who have sex with men and the centre is particularly targeting these men for the rapid HIV testing.

“If you know your HIV status, you can go on treatment which not only protects the person, but lessens the chances of passing HIV on to others. So, HIV treatment helps prevent new incidences of HIV,” says Deirdre Seery - one of the main reasons for the promotion of the rapid HIV testing.

Heterosexual contact is the second most common way in which HIV is transmitted. Over 50% of people were diagnosed late as they may not have thought they were at risk of HIV. Only 5% of new diagnoses were among people who inject drugs, compared to 20% in 2004. In Cork University Hospital, there were 60 new patients, 36 of whom were newly diagnosed.

WIN WIN SITUATION

“If people take the test it is a win win situation”, says Phil. If the test is negative, then they know their status, have had the opportunity to discuss their risks in confidence with a professional at SHC and can take precautions from there onwards. If the test is positive for HIV, they then go for a confirmatory test at the CUH. If this is also positive, they can avail of life saving treatments which can also reduce the amount of virus in their system, so not only will it prolong their lives but they are also less likely to pass the virus on to others”.

“Our message is, stop worrying, take the test and know your HIV status”, says Deirdre.

The rapid HIV testing takes place in Cork on Friday 13th and Monday 16th at The Sexual Health Centre, located on 16 Peters Street, behind the Mercy Hospital. For an appointment contact 021 4276676. Also, see www.sexualhealthcentre.com for further information.

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