WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. government is urging teenagers and most adults to have tests for the human immunodeficiency virus because many are unaware they are infected with AIDS.
The recommendation came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which recommends at least one test for everyone between the ages of 13 and 64. The CDC said those with high-risk behavior should be tested annually, the New York Times reported.
Dr. Julie Gerberding, the CDC director, said traditional approaches had not been successful and people unaware of their own HIV, which causes AIDS, account for up to 70 percent of new infections.
The CDC says not requiring signed permissions and lengthy counseling beforehand would encourage more people to have the tests. Under the plan, states can adopt or modify the program if they choose. Patients would be told they were being tested but all tests would be voluntary.
