U.S. task force backs HIV screening for all 15 to 65 - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

U.S. task force backs HIV screening for all 15 to 65

Updated:
© Photodisc / Thinkstock © Photodisc / Thinkstock

TUESDAY, Nov. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Doctors should screen all people aged 15 to 65 for HIV, as well as younger and older people who are at increased risk for infection with the virus that causes AIDS, according to a U.S. Preventive Services Task Force draft recommendation.

In addition, all pregnant women should be screened, including those in labor whose HIV status is unknown, the task force said.

The goals of the recommendation are to help people already infected with HIV stay healthy, delay the onset of AIDS and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

The recommendation will be posted for public comment on the task force's website until Dec. 17. The task force, an independent group of experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine, will then develop a final recommendation.

Nearly 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV infection, but up to 25 percent of them do not know they have HIV, the experts said.

"The draft recommendation reflects new evidence that demonstrates the benefits of both screening for and earlier treatment of HIV," task force member Dr. Douglas Owens, professor of medicine at Stanford University, said in a task force news release.

There is evidence that antiretroviral therapy can reduce the risk of HIV transmission to others, and also that initiating combined antiretroviral therapy at an earlier stage of infection may reduce a patient's risk of developing AIDS-related complications.

"Because HIV infection usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages, people need to be screened to learn if they are infected," Owens said. "People who are feeling well and learn they are infected with HIV can begin treatment earlier, reduce their chances of developing AIDS and live longer and healthier lives."

The authors pointed out, however, that the best way to achieve the ultimate goal of the recommendation -- which is to reduce HIV-related illness and death -- is to take steps to avoid infection in the first place.

More information

For more on the recommendation, visit the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force website.

Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

  • Medical News HeadlinesMedical News Headlines

  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:15:06 GMT
    More than 1,600 people in the U.S. are currently on the waiting list for a lung transplant. However, now a medical breakthrough is offering new hope.
    More than 1,600 people in the U.S. are currently on the waiting list for a lung transplant. However, now a medical breakthrough is offering new hope.

  • Monday, June 17 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:15:01 GMT
    Mild cognitive impairment happens when a person has memory problems, but can still function well in everyday life. Now, there's good news: Doctors say a form of rehab can help these patients train their brains.
    Mild cognitive impairment happens when a person has memory problems, but can still function well in everyday life. Now, there's good news: Doctors say a form of rehab can help these patients train their brains.

  • Friday, June 14 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-14 21:15:07 GMT
    They can be lifesavers, but resuscitation bags, known as Ambu-bags, may also be a danger. Ambu-bags are used by medical personnel to deliver oxygen to patients who cannot breathe.
    They can be lifesavers, but resuscitation bags, known as Ambu-bags, may also be a danger. Ambu-bags are used by medical personnel to deliver oxygen to patients who cannot breathe.

  • Thursday, June 13 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:15:05 GMT
    Fifty percent of people have some form of gum recession.  A painful surgery was the only answer, until now. Out of necessity, one dentist is trying to ease the pain for his patients and millions of others.
    Fifty percent of people have some form of gum recession.  A painful surgery was the only answer, until now. Out of necessity, one dentist is trying to ease the pain for his patients and millions of others.

  • Wednesday, June 12 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-12 21:15:07 GMT
    You probably know not to smoke, not to tan, and not to eat fattening foods. But other seemingly harmless vices can be ruining your health.
    You probably know not to smoke, not to tan, and not to eat fattening foods. But other seemingly harmless vices can be ruining your health.

  • Tuesday, June 11 2013 4:15 PM EDT2013-06-11 20:15:06 GMT
    Bariatric surgery is on the rise with an estimated 177,000 surgeries performed last year. But even with this surge in surgeries, there are still a lot of misconceptions about it.
    Bariatric surgery is on the rise with an estimated 177,000 surgeries performed last year, nearly four times the number performed four years ago. But even with this surge in surgeries, there are still a lot of misconceptions about it.

  • Monday, June 10 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-10 21:15:01 GMT
    Millions of people practice yoga as a way to stay fit or for relaxation. But could it be used as medication?
    Millions of people practice yoga as a way to stay fit or for relaxation. But could it be used as medication?

  • Friday, June 7 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-07 21:15:08 GMT
    Three out of four children will experience an ear infection by the age of three. But soon diagnosing the common problem may not require a trip to the doctor's office.
    Three out of four children will experience an ear infection by the age of three. But soon diagnosing the common problem may not require a trip to the doctor's office.

  • Thursday, June 6 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-06 21:15:04 GMT
    Out of necessity or as a way to lose weight, it seems a lot of people are going gluten-free.  But taking out gluten doesn't mean you have to take out taste.
    Out of necessity or as a way to lose weight, it seems a lot of people are going gluten-free.  But taking out gluten doesn't mean you have to take out taste.

  • Wednesday, June 5 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-06-05 21:15:09 GMT
    About one in three Americans has high blood pressure, and nearly one-third don't know it. There's a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to this common condition.
    About one in three Americans has high blood pressure, and nearly one-third don't know it. There's a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to this common condition.
*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.
Powered by WorldNow
Contact Us | Advertise | Mobile | RSS Feeds | Facebook | Twitter | Email Alerts | Jobs |
Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Public File

© 2013 NewsChannel5.com | NewsChannel 5 WTVF-TV Nashville TN | Site hosted by WorldNow. All Rights Reserved.