'Get checked': Thousands in Lincolnshire 'could be living with undiagnosed HIV'
Health officials are urging people across Lincolnshire to get tested, warning that thousands in England could be living with HIV without knowing it.
In a statement by Lincolnshire County Council, the authority revealed an estimated 4,700 people in England are unaware they have HIV, meaning they are missing out on treatment and care. Testing is the only way to know your status, as the virus can be symptom-free for years.
Derek Ward, Lincolnshire director of public health, said: “Testing for HIV is quick, easy, confidential and free for everyone in the UK.
"Finding out your status means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus on to anyone else.
“There are many ways to test locally: at sexual health clinics, through your GP, via HIV and sexual health charities, or by ordering a test online.
" Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support.”
Residents can order a free HIV test online at freetesting.hiv.
National HIV Testing Week is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and delivered by Terrence Higgins Trust as part of HIV Prevention England, aiming to improve awareness and access across the county.