You can now buy HIV self-test kits at your local Superdrug
Superdrug has become the first high-street retailer in the UK to offer HIV self-tests, meaning you can test yourself for HIV at home by swabbing your gums and get results back in just 20 minutes. Previously, checking for HIV required pricking your finger and testing your blood sample, with results taking up to 72 hours to come through.
The new tests detect HIV antibodies that appear in the mouth of anyone who is infected by the virus. With over 99.7% accuracy, it’s hoped that the self-test kits will increase the number of people testing for HIV – with the Government aiming to end new HIV cases in the UK by 2030.
According to the latest government statistics, the number of people being diagnosed with HIV late increased from 44% in 2020 to 46% in 2021 in the UK. Comparison with 2019 data suggests that there may have been some delay to testing and diagnosis due to the pandemic, affecting heterosexual men and women in particular. This highlights that it's more important than ever that the public has access to easy test options.
"Knowing your HIV status is the necessary first step in helping you to make informed choices and assume responsibility for your own healthcare," said Brian Reid, vice president of Diagnostics International at OraSure Technologies (the people behind the new gum swab tests). "If detected early, treatment can be quickly initiated, improving patient outcomes."
Over on social media, the self-test swab kits are being hailed for 'fighting the stigma' around HIV.
OraQuick™ HIV self-tests are now available to buy at Superdrug.com and at OraQuick.com for £29.95.
What is HIV?
"HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease," the NHS website explains. "There's currently no cure for HIV, but there are very effective drug treatments that enable most people with the virus to live a long and healthy life."
Most people experience a short flu-like illness two to six weeks after HIV infection, this lasts for a week or two. After these symptoms disappear, HIV may not cause any symptoms for many years, although the virus continues to damage your immune system. Because of this, many people with HIV do not know they're infected.
How is HIV contracted?
According to the NHS, "HIV is found in the body fluids of an infected person. This includes semen, vaginal and anal fluids, blood and breast milk." HIV cannot be transmitted through sweat, urine or saliva.
The most common way of getting HIV in the UK is through having anal or vaginal sex without a condom.
HIV testing
As the NHS website explains, it's important to be aware that:
Emergency anti-HIV medicine called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may stop you becoming infected if started within 72 hours of possible exposure to the virus – it's recommended that you start it as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours
An early diagnosis means you can start treatment sooner, which can improve your chances of controlling the virus, reduce the risk of becoming more unwell and reduce the chance of passing the virus on to others
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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