Not that this would apply to any of you guys...

[Guest]

Alarming rates of unsafe sex among HIV-infected British gays: study
AFP

More than a third of British homosexuals who are infected with the AIDS virus continue to have unprotected sex, according to a survey published on Tuesday.

The investigation was carried out in 2003 and 2004 among 2,640 men in London, Manchester and Brighton who filled out questionnaires.

Most of the volunteers also provided a saliva sample for HIV testing, and the results showed that among those with the AIDS virus, only a third knew they had been infected.

Thirty-seven percent of HIV-positive men said they had had unprotected sex with more than one partner in the past year, while the rate among HIV-negative men was 18 percent.

The survey appears in the latest issue of the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the British Medical Association (BMA).

The authors, led by Julie Dodds of the Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research at University College London, say they are worried.

The high rates of unsafe sex and ignorance about HIV status occurred despite an awareness campaign and access to condoms, virus testing and antiretroviral drugs, they note.

[stogie bear]

Not that this would apply to any of you guys...

Who are these guys?

[Road Runner]

I think it's a spelling mistake - he meant to type gays.

RR.

[stogie bear]

Statistics mean nothing. It doesn't mention the amount of gay people having unprotected sex in a monogomous relationship which could be two thirds of them! Who tells the truth in 'surveys' and who complies the statistics?

Numbers mean nothing.

[Tomcat]

(sangabriel @ May 01 2007,16:58) Most of the volunteers also provided a saliva sample for HIV testing, and the results showed that among those with the AIDS virus, only a third knew they had been infected.

I doubt if the BMA would publish anything to be rejected out of hand.

Without reading the article its difficult to comment but thats about the same rate as the USA. The amount of people walking around not knowing they have HIV has always known to be high in the USA so its no surprise that the UK is similar.

There is a movement to make HIV testing compulsory at some point in many countries, including USA and UK. My guess is that it will happen..sooner rather than later..

ps re-edit
I checked it out. In the USA around 30% are un-aware of their infection according to the last major report in 2003. So the UK is higher its seems.

[katoeylover]

How would you know if you had it if you hadnt been checked?

There are little or no real symptons in the beginning, and those that are seen are usually put down to other factors.

To be honest, although i am very safe in Thailand, would never dream of taking an HIV test.

[Guest]

Why wouldn't you take an HIV test?

You might save someone else's life. Yours will be over, so at least be kind to others!

I don't think it is really possible to be 'safe' in Thailand, only less risky, but not safe.

[Guest]

(Tomcat @ May 01 2007,17:54)

(sangabriel @ May 01 2007,16:58) Most of the volunteers also provided a saliva sample for HIV testing, and the results showed that among those with the AIDS virus, only a third knew they had been infected.

I doubt if the BMA would publish anything to be rejected out of hand.

Without reading the article its difficult to comment but thats about the same rate as the USA. The amount of people walking around not knowing they have HIV has always known to be high in the USA so its no surprise that the UK is similar.

There is a movement to make HIV testing compulsory at some point in many countries, including USA and UK. My guess is that it will happen..sooner rather than later..

ps re-edit
I checked it out. In the USA around 30% are un-aware of their infection according to the last major report in 2003. So the UK is higher its seems.

Some believe that HIV does not even cause AIDS.

[Guest]

(stogie bear @ May 01 2007,17:04)

Not that this would apply to any of you guys...

Who are these guys?

I meant "you people".

Oops. That is one of the things Imus said that got him in trouble.

[katoeylover]

(ziggystardust @ May 01 2007,18:09) Why wouldn't you take an HIV test?

You might save someone else's life. Yours will be over, so at least be kind to others!

When i said I hadnt taken a test, i meant that I hadn't gone in specifically for one.

However, for work, I have just (last week) been accepted for a £300K life insurance and critical illness policy so i guess they did an HIV check when they did all the regular tests.