Main Points To Know
HIV testing recommendations are integral to HIV treatment, prevention, and care. Knowledge of one’s HIV status is essential for preventing the spread of disease, yet 15% of people with HIV don’t know they’re infected. Studies reveal that individuals who learn they are HIV positive change their behavior to decrease the risk of HIV
Overall about half (46 percent) of nonelderly adults in the United States (U.S.) have ever been tested for HIV, including 8 percent in the previous year. The CDC HIV testing recommendations suggest routine HIV screening in health-care configurations for many adults, aged 13-64, and repeat testing for people at higher risk.
Early knowledge of HIV status is vital for linkage to medical care and treatment that could decrease morbidity and mortality and enhance the quality of life. Treatment guidelines advise starting antiretroviral treatment immediately when one is diagnosed with HIV.
People with HIV who contain an undetectable viral part as a consequence of antiretroviral therapy that is successful cannot sexually transmit HIV to others.
Most people with health insurance — both public and private — have access to HIV testing, often at no price. And, for people without insurance, HIV testing can usually be obtained at little or no cost in community service settings.
