The advice comes in the run up to National HIV Testing Week, which begins on Saturday, November 19.
Adverts will be placed throughout Lancashire to encourage people to take a test and a series of events will be held in Preston. They include:
• Monday, November 21: HIV testing and information session at UCLan student’s union, 10am-3pm.
• Tuesday, November 22: HIV testing at Healthier Living, 2 Union Court, Union Street, 2pm-4pm.
•Friday, November 25: awareness session, health and wellbeing fayre at St John’s Minster Church, 10am-4pm.
County Councillor Azhar Ali, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “A quarter of people with HIV don’t know they have it and that’s a real problem. If you’re concerned at all, this is a great time to get checked out.
“Of course you can book a test at a number of places including your local GP, GUM clinic or sexual health service at any time. You can also order a sample kit to be delivered to your home, so you can take the test there.”