New campaign highlights the risk of recent HIV infections and encourages gay and bisexual men in England to use condoms.
Research shows that as many as half of new HIV transmissions take place during the period known as primary infection. During this period, it is estimated that someone with HIV may be up to 26 times more infectious than at any point afterwards, dramatically increasing the risk of a transmission taking place. This peak of infectiousness occurs within the first six weeks after contracting HIV.
Cary James, Head of Health Improvement Programmes at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Recent infection is a huge driver of HIV transmission. There’s a time immediately after infection when the level of HIV in the body skyrockets and the person is at high risk of passing on HIV. This happens before most tests are able to detect an infection. So if two guys who previously tested negative decide not to use condoms because they think they’re both negative, they could not only be wrong but also having unprotected sex when one of them is super-infectious. Condoms are by far the best way to protect yourself and others from HIV.”
Gay and bisexual men remain one of the groups most at risk of HIV infection in England, and undiagnosed HIV has been identified as a key factor driving the epidemic. It Starts With Me focuses on a combination approach of condoms, testing and treatment to halt the spread of infection among the gay community. Using condoms and lube when having anal sex significantly reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, being passed on.
The new stage of the campaign will be promoted through the website at www.startswithme.org.uk, along with press and online adverts, leaflets and posters in gay venues. The campaign will also be rolled out across England through a network of regional organisations, funded by HPE to promote the campaign in their local communities.
HIV Prevention England is a partnership of community organisations headed by Terrence Higgins Trust and funded by the Department of Health to carry out national HIV prevention work in England among communities at an increased risk of infection.
Gay and bisexual men are invited to sign up to It Starts With Me by visiting www.startswithme.org.uk.
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