City Doc

Campaigners say more awareness needed as HIV tests taken by fewer people.

HIV remains one of the deadliest infections in the world, but increasingly, Western society seems to have forgotten how dangerous it can be. In the 1980s, HIV and AIDS brought sexual behaviour out into the open and encouraged people to take precautions, especially with new partners, to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. HIV tests were commonplace and awareness was high. Campaigners say a new campaign is needed if the next generation of sexually active men and women are to stay safe.

HIV tests and changing habits

Earlier in 2008, the National AIDS Trust released the results of a survey carried out for it by Ipsos Mori. The survey looked at the understanding of HIV and AIDS and the measures young people were taking to avoid infection. Worryingly, 49% of those surveyed did not use a condom when they had sex with a new partner. As condom use is a key factor in preventing HIV infection, this level of non-use could be a key factor in a rise in HIV infection. Only 24% with a new partner in the last two years stopped using a condom after both partners had taken an HIV test and had clear results. 20% of those surveyed didn’t know that HIV could be transmitted between a heterosexual couple who didn’t use a condom and over 25% were unaware that the same could happen between two men who didn’t use condoms.

Getting an HIV test

All HIV and AIDS groups are concerned about the lack of awareness not just of teenagers, but of sexually active couples in their twenties and thirties – most of whom were too young for the original AIDS campaign to have a lasting effect. Many members of this group haven’t considered getting an HIV test because they don’t consider themselves to be at risk – and they don’t understand what the risks are. Ironically, it couldn’t be easier to get access to a confidential HIV test. Walk-in surgeries such as CityDoc allow you to take the HIV test in complete privacy and with total confidentiality at a time that suits you and for a reasonable price, so that you and your partner can set each other’s minds at rest and stop putting yourselves at risk.

CityDoc gives you all the medical services you need, right in the heart of London. With a clinic in Harley Street and one on Moorgate, this is the ideal GP practice for busy Londoners. Offering individual care, and a corporate health services to businesses, CityDoc provides a comprehensive healthcare service, with rapid referrals to specialists where necessary. Whether you’re looking for a private doctor, an STD test or other sexual health tests, a single MMR for your child, or you just need inoculations before your next holiday, CityDoc can help. Call for an appointment on 0207 935 6260 (West End) or 0207 256 8668 (City) or just fill in our online form for more information.