THE council's Public Health team has joined forces with St Helens and Knowsley Hospital Trust to encourage residents at risk of HIV to take a free confidential test.

This week marks National HIV Testing Week which aims to reduce the number of undiagnosed infections.

Anyone can be affected by HIV which is passed on through blood and body fluids from an infected person. Anyone who has had had sex without a condom or shared needles or other injecting equipment may be at risk.

HIV can also be transmitted from mother to baby during a natural delivery.

Liz Gaulton, director of public health at St Helens Council said: “HIV is a viral infection that causes progressive weakening of the immune system. If left untreated it can result in the development of severe infections and other complications."

For more information, clinic times and locations visit www.getiton.org.uk or call 0845 155 0156.