National HIV Testing Day targets awareness and early diagnosis

The CDC has designated 1 day of the year to educate the public about screening for HIV infection and early diagnosis. National HIV Testing Day will be held on Wednesday, June 27, and encourages people to get tested for HIV. Understanding HIV status through testing helps to ensure that individuals stay healthy and helps those who are infected to seek services that can improve their quality of life and length of life. life.

Many people living with HIV do not always know that they live with the virus. Some people infected with HIV may not show symptoms early, so periodic tests are needed. If HIV is not diagnosed and is not treated, patients can suffer severe damage to their immune system. Screening tests quickly identify infected persons, so that steps can be taken immediately to conduct the treatment. In addition, HIV testing reminds people to take precautionary measures to prevent contracting or spreading the virus.

The CDC recommends a screening frequency at least once a year, however, according to an analysis of national population-based survey data collected during 2006-2016, people at high risk of HIV do not comply with this guideline. recommendation. Test providers can reduce the adverse health effects of HIV and the risk of transmission by implementing routine and targeted tests to reduce the time between infection and diagnosis. Health care providers and public health practitioners must redouble their efforts to routinely screen for HIV infection in all patients and for high-risk individuals to participate in annual screening of HIV patients. 39; infection.

HIV, often overlooked, continues to be a major health problem. Technology and testing methods have progressed so that HIV can be prevented, and those with the infection can live a long and healthy life.

The theme of National HIV Testing Day, Doing It My Way, is about the various reasons people get tested. Additional information for patients and health professionals on National HIV Testing Day, basic test information and guidelines for testing can be found on the CDC website.

Reference

CDC. National HIV Testing Day – June 27, 2018. CDC website. https://cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6724a1.htm?s_cid=mm6724a1_w. Published in June 2018. Accessed June 26, 2018.