HIV No Longer a Death Sentence, Region Örebro County Emphasizes Testing & Modern treatment
Örebro, Sweden – A modern understanding of HIV is crucial, according to health officials in region Örebro County, as advancements in treatment mean those living with the virus can live long, healthy lives and cannot transmit it sexually when properly medicated. This message aims to dismantle lingering stigmas and encourage testing, particularly among those who may have been recently exposed.
Currently, approximately 8,000 people in Sweden live with HIV, with around 300 new diagnoses reported annually. While some infections occur within Sweden, many are contracted abroad. The key takeaway, health experts stress, is that effective antiretroviral therapy suppresses the virus to undetectable levels, rendering it non-transmissible through sexual contact - ofen referred to as “Undetectable = Untransmittable” or U=U. This dramatically alters the historical perception of HIV as a fatal and easily spread disease.
“The only way to find out if someone has HIV is to get tested,” says Anna Hedin, an infectious disease doctor in Region Örebro County. “So, if you have exposed yourself to the risk of being infected, it is wise to get tested, for example if you have had unprotected sex with a new sex partner. If you want to be tested for HIV, you can go to your health center, the STI clinic or if you are 22 years old or younger, you can go to the youth clinic.”
Despite these advancements, fear and misinformation continue to prevent individuals from seeking testing. officials are actively working to dispel myths and reduce the stigma surrounding HIV, emphasizing that early diagnosis and treatment are vital for both individual health and public health.
Preventative measures, such as consistent and correct use of barrier protection like condoms or Femidoms, remain a crucial component of HIV prevention. Though,the message from Region Örebro County is clear: HIV is now a manageable chronic condition,and knowledge is power in both preventing new infections and ensuring those living with HIV receive the care they need to thrive.
