The Saarpfalz District Health Authority is also using this testing week to highlight once again the advice and testing services on offer. Well-trained and competent specialists are on hand to take the time to provide detailed information and advice. The service is anonymous, free of charge and confidential.
Laboratory tests are available for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. An HIV test is recommended if there has been a risk of infection and six weeks have passed since the high-risk contact. You should be screened regularly for syphilis if you have sexual contact with multiple partners. Whilst condoms offer reliable protection against HIV, they do not provide protection against syphilis. For hepatitis B and C, a personal consultation is required to determine whether a test is advisable, depending on the risk situation and vaccination status (hepatitis B).
There are good reasons to have an HIV test: whilst HIV infection is incurable, it can be effectively managed with medication. If diagnosed in time, people with HIV now have a good chance of a normal life expectancy, and it is possible to reliably prevent them from developing AIDS. Furthermore, HIV is no longer transmissible when treatment is working effectively. Even if the infection occurred some time ago, it is still worth getting tested. This is because HIV treatment can often stabilise the immune system again, even in later stages of the disease.
“Unfortunately, a third of HIV infections are still only detected once the immune system has already suffered advanced damage. However, the earlier we detect the infection, the easier it is to treat. If you have been at risk, it therefore makes sense to have an HIV test,” said Frank Kreutzer, managing director of Aidshilfe Saar. It is therefore important that an HIV infection is detected early. Testing for other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis is also recommended, as an existing sexually transmitted infection significantly increases the risk of becoming infected with HIV.
The opening and consultation hours at the Saarpfalz-Kreis Public Health Authority, Am Forum 1, 66424 Homburg, are as follows:
Monday, 21 September: 8 am to 2 pm
Tuesday, 22 September: 8 am to 2 pm
Wednesday, 23 September: 8 am to 4.30 pm
Thursday, 24 September: 8 am to 3.30 pm
Friday, 25 September: 8 am to 3.30 pm
Please book an appointment in advance by telephone on 06841 104-7242 or by email to [email protected].