In July Prince Harry made the news when he walked into a sexual health clinic in central London for an HIV test.
The pinprick blood test took only moments and the 31-year-old prince tested negative.
The young royal underwent the test publicly to raise awareness of HIV/Aids, and to send the message that testing is important for everyone.
Public Health England estimates that more than 18,000 people are unknowingly HIV positive in the UK.
Our chief GP, Dr Najma Hussain, supports the move by Prince Harry.
She says that not nearly enough people get tested, and stresses the importance of testing for everyone of all ages if they change sexual partners.
“You do not need to be promiscuous to be at risk of HIV infections,” she says. “One of the groups we are most concerned about are older people who are changing partners because of divorce or after a spouse dies.
“It is simple to get this test, so before embarking on a new relationship we would urge people to be tested.”
We offer a confidential HIV testing service. Simply call us on 966 860 258 to make an appointment.
Treatments for HIV/Aids have come a long way since the disease first emerged, and it is now possible to lead a long and healthy life with a positive status. Ongoing research offers hope of a cure. Read more here…