Know Your Risk – Testing Week Scotland

Know Your Risk – Testing Week Scotland

FRIDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER, 2017

Know Your Risk – Testing Week Scotland

NHS Tayside is supporting Testing Week Scotland, a national campaign to raise awareness of STI testing and reduce the number of new cases.

Testing Week Scotland, which runs from 11-17 September 2017 (also National Sexual Health Week), is raising awareness of the different ways that the infections can be passed on so that people can judge whether they have been at risk. It aims to send the message that once you #KnowYourRisk, you can do something about it.

The campaign highlights the range of testing options now available – from sexual health clinics and GPs to community services and HIV home test kits – and provides information to help people find the test that’s right for them.

Lead clinician for sexual health Dr Sarah Alstaff said, “All sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, can be silent and the only way you can know is to have a test.  Putting it off won't make it go away but by taking matters into your own hands you can take care of your own health and the health of your partner(s).”

If you think you have been at risk of STIs or BBVs, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Service offers walk-in clinics in Dundee, Arbroath and Perth.  Please visit www.sexualhealthtayside.org for opening times.  The service also offers dedicated clinics for young people (LINC) and for men who have sex with men (MOT).

If you think you have been at risk of Hepatitis B/C or HIV, you can attend the Cairn Centre in Dundee for a straightforward finger-prick test on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-5pm and Tuesday and Friday from 10am-6pm.​

Consultant heptologist and gastroenterologist Professor John Dillon added, “Hepatitis C is a sneaky virus, it can hide in your body for a very long time causing loads of damage before you know you've got it. It’s now really easy to cure so if you have ever been at risk of catching it, get tested, get cured.”

 

The campaign is also reminding people of the effective treatments that are now available should they test positive for an infection. Today in Scotland, a person living with HIV can live a long, healthy life, hepatitis C can be cured, and effective treatments are also available for a whole range of STIs.

By encouraging people to #KnowYourRisk and take action, the campaign is also highlighting the role that testing can play in preventing new infections. An estimated 13% of people living with HIV and 40% with hepatitis C remain undiagnosed. Reducing the number of people who are undiagnosed will not only lead to better health for those concerned, but will also contribute to reducing new infections.

To find out more about the campaign, visit www.KnowYourRisk.scot. You can also add your support by adding the Testing Week Scotland Twibbon to your social media profiles and by sharing #KnowYourStatus and #TestWeekScot tweets.

Contact:

Louise Wilson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740718

8 September 2017