A LEADING nurse with Lancashire’s sexual health service is urging people to get tested for HIV as the take-up rate for the east of the county remains a concern.

Countywide the testing rate, at 91.7 per cent, is worse than the national benchmark of 94.8 per cent.

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But that figure drops to just 66.3 per cent among women in Hyndburn and only 54.4 per cent of men in Burnley, according to some of the latest Lancashire County Council figures.

Conversely HIV testing among homosexual men is broadly similar to the UK average, though it remains slightly lower in Burnley and Hyndburn.

Sally Myerscough, an HIV nurse with the contraception and sexual health service is urging those who may be at risk to get tested.

She said: “The earlier the condition is identified, the better the health outcomes.

“Early diagnosis is the way forward to successfully managing HIV.

“However, the most effective way of reducing HIV prevalence is prevention.

“We also urge, especially with the festive period approaching and the increase in alcohol consumption and subsequent risk-taking behaviour, to practice safe sex to help avoid sexually transmitted infections! unplanned pregnancies and of course HIV.”

Earlier this year the sexual health service at Lancashire Care was presented with a quality mark by the Lancashire LGBT group for its work in meeting the needs of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender clients.

Sally said: “It is important that people who may have had unprotected sex and experience any symptoms visit their local sexual health clinic for testing.

“The longer it takes to diagnose the infection, the higher the risk of HIV associated infections and complications.”

Common symptoms of early HIV infection are a fever, rash and severe sore throat which occur at the same time. Risk factors also include sharing needles.

Those wanting to find out more about the service’s clinics are urged to call 01772 401140.

The prevalence of HIV, given the low testing rates, sees the likes of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Burnley, and the remaining East Lancashire boroughs, with rates of less than half the UK average.