HIV Testing Week

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This years National HIV Testing Week takes place from 22-29 November in the run up to World AIDS Day on 1 December.

Gay and African people are those who are currently most at risk of catching HIV in the UK [1].

Being a Gay man myself, I am one of those who is largely at risk, however, I have always and will continue to practise safe sex. Even knowing this, being tested still makes you worry and even feel slightly ashamed that you're in this seat having blood and swabs taken.

I didn't intend on getting tested and I did not even know that it was National HIV Testing Week. I had just finished my day at work (driving trains at 5mph in the yard, getting ready for the real deal later this week) when I needed to call my bank. Clapham Junction is notoriously noisy so I went outside the station exit when I noticed a huge sign advertising "Free and quick HIV testing, results within minutes"

The clinic is called 'The Junction Health Centre' I strolled in and I was seen right away by a really welcoming nurse. It was also done confidentially.

I said before that it can make you feel nervous and ashamed but in my opinion the nurses and tests have gotten so much better since I first started getting tested.

The test required no more than a few drops of blood from a pricked finger. She took the sample away as quickly as she got it. A minute later she came back from behind the curtain and said "all clear".

A relief. ;-)

Get tested guys, the earlier you test, the easier it will be to treat if you are found to positive.