An influential U.S. panel is calling for HIV screening for all Americans aged 15-65, regardless of whether they are considered to be at high risk, a change that may help lift some of the stigma associated with HIV testing. - (Reuters - Chicago) Read that one more time, especially the last part.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a government-backed panel of doctors and scientists, now align with longstanding recommendations by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention for testing all adults aged 15-65, regardless of their risk. Quick question, when did a 15 year old become an adult?
The USPSTF guidelines issued in 2005 recommended HIV screening for high risk groups, and their recommendation is part of healthcare law. High risk groups include those who have sex with gay or bisexual men, illicit drug users and economically disadvantaged populations in which HIV rates are high. Whoa! Another question. Being poor can cause AIDS? Who would have thunk it?
Remember, the intent of this testing is to remove the stigma of being tested for those that do engage in high risk behavior. Currently there are about 50,000 new cases per year. If that nasty stigma can be overcome, we just might get those numbers up.
To summarize, because people that do things to get HIV are embarrassed about getting tested, the whole country has to get tested.
They are not embarrassed about doing what it takes to get HIV.
PMO
©2013
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