AIDS Testing May Become Part Of Routine Physical

[Roon]

ATLANTA -- Testing for the AIDS virus could become part of routine physical exams for adults and teens if doctors follow new U.S. guidelines expected to be issued by this summer.

Federal health officials say they'd like HIV testing to be as common as a cholesterol check.

The guidelines for routine testing would apply to every American ages 13 to 64, according to the proposed plan by the U.S. Centers for Disease control and Prevention.

One-quarter of the 1 million Americans with the AIDS virus don't know they are infected, and that group is most responsible for HIV's spread, CDC officials said

[Deja Q]

1. Why? We're overpopulated and the cost of meds is outrageous.

Besides, in this society, the worst thing we could do is preserve peoples' lives?

[xmas74]

2. I had to have one for insurance.

My physical is coming up in July. I'd hate to have to have one again so soon, especially since I'm not doing anything to come in contact w/ it at all.

[ScreamingMeemie]

3. And then what?

Free meds?

[Deja Q]

4. That's compassion and therefore immoral.

I suspect such people would be hauled off to somewhere nasty...

[alarimer]

5. So your insurance company can then drop you?

wouldn't put it past most of them to do such a thing.

[Iniquitous Bunny]

6. It is for prenatal testing now.

Early 90's- didn't happen.
Late 90's- optional.
By 2000- almost mandatory to know HIV status in pregnant women.

I have concerns of privacy issues to a degree in terms of general testing, but HIV can be managed as a chronic disease with proper treatment. Not cured, but better managed for a longer healthier life. (Not to mention AZT can usually prevent fetal transmission when given to a pregnant mother.)