A panel of health experts is now recommending that all patients aged 15 to 65 be tested for HIV.
Quick intervention is key
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force created the new guidelines after continuing research showed the benefits of treating HIV as soon as possible.
“While the best way to reduce HIV-related disease and death is to avoid getting infected, screening is also extremely important,” Task Force member Douglas K. Owens said.
“Nearly a quarter of people with HIV don’t know that they have it, and they’re missing out on a chance to take control of their disease. Universal screening will help identify more people with HIV, allowing them to start combined antiretroviral therapy earlier and live healthier and longer lives.”
Prior to these new guidelines, it was only suggested that these high risk groups be tested:
- intravenous drug users
- men who have sex with men
- people who have unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse
- those who have a partner who is HIV-positive, bisexual, an injection drug user, or exchanges sex for money or drugs
HIV stats in the U.S.
HIV is an ongoing problem in the United States. According to Medical News Today, 25 percent of people infected with the disease don’t know it. Doctors believe increased testing will increase the survival rates of those suffering with it.
“HIV is a critical public health problem and, despite recent medical advances, still a devastating diagnosis for the 50,000 people in the United States who contract the virus each year,” Task Force chair Virginia Moyer said.
“In order to help reduce the suffering of those with HIV and their loved ones, we must continue finding better ways to prevent and treat this disease.”
