HIV tests important, says GP

Charlie Sheen

Advice follows revelation actor Sheen is positive

Rotorua doctors say it's in everyone's best interests to be regularly tested for HIV.

Their comments follow revelations this week that Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen is HIV positive.

Speaking on US television, Sheen confirmed the rumours in tabloids in recent days.

"I'm here to admit that I am in fact HIV positive," he said. "It's a hard three letters to absorb. It's a turning point in one's life."

Rotorua GP Dr Cate Mills said the main message was to continue to encourage people to use condoms and make sure they were getting regular tests.

"Yes, there are people living in Rotorua with HIV, but the worry is about the people who may not know they are living with the virus and it's about making sure they are tested."

She said her HIV positive patients were all safe and their partners knew their status.

Rotovegas Youth Health clinical leader Dr Tania Pinfold said at any age, unless someone was in a monogamous relationship, they were at risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

"There are a number of STIs that are common and less serious, but also some that are less common and more serious like HIV.

"People need to be frequently tested when they are sexually active and not in a monogamous relationship," she said.

"For most people they could have no symptoms, then they have no way of knowing, so testing is very important."

Dr Pinfold also said that in this era there was better technology to help people with HIV live normal lives.