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21/02/2013
One In Five New Cases Of HIV Are Men Over 45
Doctors are reinforcing the safe sex message after it was revealed men in Northern Ireland over the age of 45 make up 20% of new cases of HIV.
Dr Carol Emerson, a consultant specialising in sexual health at the Royal Victoria Hospital, told the BBC that the outreach clinics in gay venues, such as the Kremlin, are essential.
"I'm really passionate about reaching people and ensuring they get HIV testing and full sexual health advice," she told the broadcaster.
"Some people find it a step too far to come to a GUM (sexual health) clinic and some people really regard confidentiality as the holy grail and bringing the clinic out has increased testing, increased knowledge and increased diagnoses.
"We are seeing a range of people over 45 testing for different reasons and it may be that they've had a stable relationship for a period of time and that has broken down and now they've found a new lease of life and they've picked up a new infection and that's not just HIV - it's the whole spectrum of sexual health," she said.
John O'Doherty, Director of The Rainbow Project, which lobbies for gay, lesbian and transgender rights, noted his concerns over HIV increase in older men.
He told the website: "We're dealing with a community which spent a large part of their adult years being a criminal based on their sexual orientation.
"So the new freedom and openness and visibility of our community has provided a lot more opportunities for relationships and to meet new people, so it does put them at increased risk."
(GK)
Dr Carol Emerson, a consultant specialising in sexual health at the Royal Victoria Hospital, told the BBC that the outreach clinics in gay venues, such as the Kremlin, are essential.
"I'm really passionate about reaching people and ensuring they get HIV testing and full sexual health advice," she told the broadcaster.
"Some people find it a step too far to come to a GUM (sexual health) clinic and some people really regard confidentiality as the holy grail and bringing the clinic out has increased testing, increased knowledge and increased diagnoses.
"We are seeing a range of people over 45 testing for different reasons and it may be that they've had a stable relationship for a period of time and that has broken down and now they've found a new lease of life and they've picked up a new infection and that's not just HIV - it's the whole spectrum of sexual health," she said.
John O'Doherty, Director of The Rainbow Project, which lobbies for gay, lesbian and transgender rights, noted his concerns over HIV increase in older men.
He told the website: "We're dealing with a community which spent a large part of their adult years being a criminal based on their sexual orientation.
"So the new freedom and openness and visibility of our community has provided a lot more opportunities for relationships and to meet new people, so it does put them at increased risk."
(GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
