The US Preventative services task force has released a new recommendation about screening for HIV infection.
“Screening for HIV is important so that everyone knows their HIV status, and those with HIV can begin treatment right away,” says Task Force member John Epling, M.D., M.S.Ed. “Today’s treatments help people live long, healthy lives and lower the risk of passing HIV to others.”
That’s it in a nutshell. If you have ever had sex or used intravenous drugs then you should know your HIV status. There are ‘at risk’ groups but the recommendation is for everyone to know their HIV status. This is because over half the new transmission cases are by people who did not know they were HIV positive.