European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week 2016

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Am I at risk? You are at risk of getting HIV if you have ever: • Had condomless sex • Used intravenous drugs and shared needles or syringes • Had multiple sex partners • Another STI, e.g. syphilis • Been diagnosed with or sought treatment for hepatitis or TB You are at risk of getting hepatitis if you: • Have had condomless sex, including anal and oral sex • Have used intravenous drugs and shared needles or syringes • Have had multiple sex partners • Are on long-term haemodialysis • Have haemophilia • Have received unscreened blood, blood products or organs • Are born to a mother with the virus • Have not been vaccinated for hepatitis B 8
How does testing work? The sooner you get tested, the sooner you are aware whether you have been exposed to a virus and whether you have a chronic infection. If you have a chronic infection you are then able to start lifesaving treatment and minimise the risk of transmitting the virus to someone else. Testing is widely available, and the procedures are simple. HIV The most common form of HIV test is a blood test, where a small amount of blood is taken and examined. Delaying testing and access to treatment for HIV will allow the virus to spread in your body and damage your health. Hepatitis In some areas saliva tests are available, where a small sample of saliva is taken using a mouth swab. Other areas make use of dry blood spot testing, where the finger or heel is pricked and a spot of blood is blotted onto filter paper. The tests used can usually detect whether a person has HIV within a month of their infection. Before someone is given a positive result, however, the blood is tested several times in order to ensure a correct diagnosis. 9 For hepatitis, the initial test is an antibody test which is usually carried out using a blood sample. Hepatitis B and C can usually be detected in the blood 2-3 months after exposure. Delaying testing and access to treatment for hepatitis will allow the virus to cause further damage to the liver, which may lead to extensive liver disease and, in some cases, liver cancer.
Page 1 and 2: 18 - 25 NOVEMBER 2016 EUROPEAN HIV-
Page 3 and 4: HIV & hepatitis >6,600 >43,000 It i
Page 5 and 6: What is hepatitis? Viral hepatitis
Page 7: Why should I get tested? It is bett
Page 11 and 12: Useful links Hepatitis Scotland Hep

European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week 2016

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