THE Isle of Wight has become the first place in the country to offer HIV blood spot testing in its pharmacies.
From today (Tuesday), which is World Aids Day, eight pharmacies on the Island will offer testing to anyone who thinks they may be at risk.
The test requires a simple finger prick of blood, taken in a private consultation room.
Felicity Young, consultant nurse for the sexual health service at St. Mary’s Hospital, said: "HIV is a virus which attacks and damages the immune system over a period of time. People with the virus may become susceptible to illnesses that a healthy immune system would be able to fight off. With approximately 7,000 people newly diagnosed in the UK last year, it is vital everyone, young and old, understands what HIV is and the action they need to take to stop the spread."
If detected early, HIV is manageable and many people are able to lead normal lives. The virus often has no symptoms until the very late stages so it if you think you are at risk of HIV or if you have never taken an HIV test it is very important to get tested now.
Anyone who tests positive for HIV will be offered a fast track referral to the sexual health service at St Mary’s Hospital for further testing and treatment, if required.
Community pharmacies on the Island are continuing to offer blood spot testing for Hepatitis B and C.
HIV blood spot testing is now available at:
• Day Lewis Pharmacy, Cowes
• Your Local Boots Pharmacy, Cowes
• Lloyds Pharmacy, Pyle Street, Newport
• Siddys Convent Pharmacy, Carisbrooke
• Boots Pharmacy, Ryde
• Gibbs & Gurnell Pharmacy, Ryde
• Regent Pharmacy, Shanklin
• Your Local Boots Pharmacy, Sandown