Regular testing is the most important step towards prevention and timely treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. This was pointed out by the civic association HIV/AIDS Slovakia, which is involved in the initiative European Testing Week (19 – 26 5.). From Monday to Friday, it will offer people the possibility of free and anonymous testing for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C in the HIV Community Center on Pražská Street 11 in Bratislava. TASR informed the director of the association Ján Koller.
“Thanks to modern medicine, people living with HIV can lead a full life, work, love and plan the future. However, the key is to know about your status. Therefore, we consider regular testing to be the most important step towards prevention and timely treatment, ” approached Koller. As he clarified, modern antiretrovirus therapy reduces the amount of virus in the body to an undetectable level, which means that HIV does not reproduce in a human body and at the same time HIV positive man does not transmit the virus further. It does not pose any risk to itself or its surroundings.
It is also important, according to the association, testing for other sexual and blood communicable diseases. “Syphilis and hepatitis C may be similar to HIV for a long time without symptoms. However, if they are revealed in time, they are treatable or well handled,“Koller explained. Syphilis is now very widespread, and there are also diagnosed cases in our country. He warns that untreated disease can cause serious health complications, from neurological disorders to organ damage. “Testing and antibiotic treatment can completely cure syphilis,” added the director.
The civic association therefore invites everyone to be tested. “HIV testing, syphilis and hepatitis C is simple, fast, painless, anonymous and free. It is available to everyone, regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation or lifestyle. Testing can save health, so there is no need to wait for any symptoms, but it is necessary to act in time, ”Koller said. During the European Testing Week, the OZ will test daily from 5 pm to 19.00.
The aim of the European Testing Week is raise awareness of the importance of testing to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, Support for early diagnosis and degradation of the stigma still related to HIV.
