Infection rate in England, Wales and Northern Island more than doubled in a decade
Of the 7,382 new diagnoses of HIV in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2008, eight per cent were among people aged 50 and over, the BBC reports. This marks a significant increase—the group has more than doubled in under a decade. Other sexually transmitted infections are also doubling in the same age group, rising faster than in the young. Experts say this highlights the importance of safer sex practices and HIV testing at every age, as well as a need to raise awareness in that age group.