MORE people were freshly diagnosed with HIV last year in Essex than any other county in the Eastern Region, latest figures show.
To coincide with World Aids Week – the first week in December – everyone who might possibly be at risk is being urged to take an HIV test, so if they have the infection, they can get early treatment which will give them better chance of living longer and better.
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There is no cure for Aids, the disease of the immune system which grows out of the HIV infection. But modern treatments mean HIV is no longer the stone-cold killer it was once considered.
The number of people with HIV in the UK has continued to rise, with an estimated 83,000 Britons infected by the end of 2008.
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Last year, 7,298 new people were diagnosed with HIV in the UK – 110 of them in Essex. This was 60 fewer than the Essex total for the previous year, but was still the highest number in the region.
The number of Essex patients seeking HIV-related treatment have increased. In 2007, 1,059 were being treated. Last year, the figure was 1,104.
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In the Colchester and Tendring areas, 124 people were being treated for HIV last year.
A major area of concern is the number of patients diagnosed long after they first became HIV-positive.
Of the 454 adults diagnosed in the Eastern Region last year, 106 had already passed the point at which treatment should have been started, so missed out on the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment.
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Dr Chris Williams, who is responsible for sexual health promotion in the East of England, said: “HIV is a serious infection and the fact such a high percentage of people is getting diagnosed late highlights the need for more testing.
“The advances in medical treatment mean HIV is no longer a death sentence. People can live longer and healthier lives on treatment, but it’s important they get diagnosed early.”
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The Maria Clinic, at Essex County Hospital, has its own fully-trained consultant, a nurse and a counsellor. Dr Rick Varma, consultant HIV specialist for Colchester’s hospital trust, said: “We have a very regular number of patients and most are extremely well-controlled.
“HIV is a very treatable condition now. It’s monitored and treated the same way as if someone has diabetes. They come in every three months to have their drugs checked and ensure everything is all right “We also look out for their emotional needs – a lot of people still feel very stigmatised or worried about exposure.”
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Dr Varma is very keen to encourage anyone who might be at risk – drug users and people who have had unprotected sex – to get tested.
HIV tests can be taken along with other routine blood tests at local clinics and GP surgeries.
Dr Varma added: “We are still seeing too many people being diagnosed too late. We need to get rid of the embarrassment and stigma, so getting an HIV test becomes as regular as checking your blood sugar for diabetes.”
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