HIV and STD services are expecting an increase in the number of people seeking sexual health tests and advice following the Christmas/New Year holiday break. Based on the experience of past years the NZ AIDS Foundation's testing and support facilities throughout the country are geared up for an upswing in men who have sex with men wanting a sexual health checkup in the coming weeks. Wayne Otter, manager of the NZAF's Auckland Burnett Centre, says that every year at this time there is a marked increase in enquiries and requests for tests, and he is pleased that the now well established fast testing process for HIV, which sees results now available in minutes rather than days, is able to quickly help clarify the situation regarding HIV exposure. Body Positive Auckland, which also operates testing and support services, says it too anticipates a greater use of its services. "This is a time we tend to celebrate and sometimes compromise our judgment because of alcohol and recreational drug use," says Body Positive's Bruce Kilmister. "We sometimes measure the good times we are having by the risks we take, and the morning after can be a sobering experience when we reflect on those risks." Otter advises people who are concerned they may have been exposed to HIV or other STD infection "not to panic or get into a frenzy." He says that although the Centre is on a break until Monday January 12th its answerphone is being cleared regularly and any messages from people seeking assistance will be quickly followed up. Body Positive largely volunteer staff will also be back back in their office on January 12th. Around the country public health service Sexual Health Clinics are operating over the holiday break and for those seeking immediate advice Body Positive's national toll free HIVLine can provide information and advice on 0800 448 546.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 1st January 2009 - 1:17pm