Christmas special

The Christmas and New Year holidays are almost upon us, so this edition of HIV Weekly is a festive special.

I’m in a relaxed, holiday mood, and am thinking about what the next two weeks might entail, so rather than an editorial comment on the news, I’ve provided some information on what you can expect of HIV clinics and services over the holiday period. There are also a few tips to help you ensure that you wake up on 2^nd January in a more or less fit state to face  2007.

HIV clinics

Although you should check details with your own clinic, it is likely that all specialist HIV treatment centers will close on the afternoon of Friday 22nd December and will not reopen until Wednesday 27th December, closing again for the New Year holiday on 29th December and reopening on 2nd January.

It is therefore important to make sure that you have enough medication to last you over the holiday period as obtaining further supplies is likely to be very difficult. Get in touch with your clinic now if you think you need to see your doctor or need more supplies of medicine. If you need medical help you should contact your GP, or in an emergency go to your hospital casualty department.

HIV services

You are likely to find that all HIV services, provided by both local authorities and the voluntary sector, will close early on Friday 22^nd December, and will not reopen until the 27th December at the earliest.

In addition, the New Year break will mean early closing on 29th December until the morning of 2nd January. However, you may find that many services will close on 22^nd December and remain shut until 2nd January and even when service providers are open between Christmas and the New Year they may be able to offer little more than a very basic service. If you use HIV services, enquire before the holiday period what their opening times will be.

Benefits and money

Benefit offices will also close for Christmas and the New Year and if you are entitled to benefits over the holiday period these will be paid in advance. It is important to budget your money, as you will not be entitled to any further payments until after the New Year.

Everyday issues

Many people, regardless of their HIV status, find Christmas a difficult time to cope with. You may find that being HIV-positive either makes these problems worse or creates additional ones. Adherence to your HIV treatments might be more difficult, particularly if you find that your normal routine is interrupted or disrupted in some way. In addition, spending time with family members who do not know you are HIV-positive can make taking your medication difficult. You can find some tips on adherence, here.

Depression and loneliness are also common problems at Christmas. Mental health problems are relatively common amongst people with HIV and although drinking large amounts of alcohol and taking recreational drugs may seem to offer a short-term escape, they will probably make things worse. Remember, for all the hysteria that surrounds Christmas, it really only lasts a few days and things do return to normal once it’s over.

Indulgence and enjoyment are essential parts of Christmas for many people, who spend more, eat and drink more, and have a more relaxed attitude towards sex over the holidays.

But many people find themselves in debt because of Christmas excess, and rather heavier than they would like.

What’s more, your sexual health is as important at Christmas and the New Year as any other time of the year. Sexual health clinics will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and are likely to have restricted opening hours on other days over the holiday period. It might therefore be difficult to access treatment for a sexually transmitted infection.

Travel

Many people take a holiday at Christmas. Consider these points when making your plans.

Support and helplines

Although most face-to-face services will be closed, many HIV specific and other telephone helplines are open over the holiday period. Some are open as normal whilst others operate on reduced hours. Details of some are listed below. Please note that they may have reduced opening times, or be closed completely, over the holiday period.

HIV i-Base Treatment Phoneline
0808 800 6013
Information on HIV treatments. Open Monday to Wednesday 12pm - 4pm.

NHS Direct
0845 4647
A service which provides 24-hour confidential health information. It is open every day of the year.

The Samaritans
0845 790 9090
The Samaritans are open 24 hours every day of the year. The Samaritans are available to anybody who is going through a personal crisis and thinking of taking their life or are lonely or depressed and feel that they have no one else to turn to for support.

Sexual Healthline
0800 567 123
Formerly the National AIDS Helpline. This is a 24-hour national phoneline and will be open throughout the holiday period offering confidential advice, information and referrals on all aspects of sexual health and HIV.

THT Direct
0845 1221 200
THT Direct is a specialist HIV telephone and information and advice service provided by the Terrence Higgins Trust. THT Direct is open from 10am to 10pm Monday to Friday and from 12noon to 6pm at weekends.
Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day with restricted opening times on other days over the Christmas period. An answerphone message will give emergency contact details at these times.

Have an enjoyable festive period. HIV Weekly will be taking a break next week, but will be back on 2^nd January.

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