1st December marks World AIDS Day, an opportunity for people around the world to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to remember those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
World AIDS Day was founded in 1988 and is the first ever global health day. You can find out more about World AIDS Day fundraising activities and how to get involved in this year’s here.
More than 105,200 people are living with HIV in the UK, and globally, there are an estimated 38 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS-related illnesses, making it one of history’s most destructive pandemics.
People can get or transmit HIV only through specific activities, such as sex or injection drug use. HIV can be transmitted only in certain body fluids from a person who has HIV. These fluids are blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
To reduce your risk of HIV, use condoms correctly every time you have sex. Do not inject drugs. If you do, use only sterile injection equipment and water, and never share your injection equipment with others.
If you do not have HIV but are at risk of getting HIV, talk to your GP about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP involves taking a specific HIV medicine every day to reduce the risk of getting HIV through sex or injection drug use.
If you are concerned about any of the issues raised, please do not hesitate to contact MyHealthcare Clinic for a free telephone consultation with a nurse today. Get the support and advice you need with same-day appointments 6 days a week at our sexual health clinics in Wandsworth and Fulham. Call 0207 099 5555 now.
