Why Affordable HIV Testing Is More Important Than Ever: "HIV Epidemic 40% Higher Than Estimates"

The CDC's revised statistics regarding new HIV infections emphasizes the critical importance of early HIV testing. Startling statistics show 25% of persons infected don't know they carry the HIV virus.

reveal that the U.S. epidemic is - and has been - worse than previously estimated and serve as a wake-up call for all Americans

Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) August 7, 2008 -- New cases of HIV infection in the U.S. have been underestimated by 40% every year for more than a decade. This was the surprising announcement made by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC HIV fact sheets) at the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City.

AIDS / HIV Testing

The revised calculations mean that at least 56,000 Americans are infected with HIV annually instead of the 40,000 previously thought. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, a disease that remains incurable. Tragically more than 15,000 Americans die of AIDS every year. Early detection is important so that treatment may begin as soon as possible and assist delaying the onset of serious complications. In addition, knowing your status will enable you to take the necessary steps in preventing the transmission of HIV to others.

These new numbers "reveal that the U.S. epidemic is - and has been - worse than previously estimated and serve as a wake-up call for all Americans," said Richard Wolitski, acting director of the division of HIV / AIDS prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sophisticated new blood-testing methods combined with consistent reporting methods now used by all states have resulted in more accurate estimates and revealed a much higher yearly incidence of new infections. The CDC estimates that about 1 million to 1.1 million Americans are HIV-positive. Using the new figures we can estimate that there are roughly 225,000 more people with HIV than previously suspected.

Shockingly more than 1/3 of new infections are in youth ages 13 to 29, and disturbingly, 25% of persons infected don't know they carry the HIV virus. These eye opening statistics make early HIV tests and diagnosis more important than ever.

There is still hope even after a positive result, however, thanks to powerful combinations of drugs that are allowing patients who are HIV-positive to live for decades with the disease. It's the test that makes early detection possible, catching the virus before it can damage the immune system beyond repair, which is critically important. Confidentiality is also an important factor since fear of being stigmatized often stops people from being tested.

The CDC's revised statistics regarding new HIV infections is bound to bring attention to the continuing problem of AIDS in America. It highlights the need for funding to prevent and treat the disease and emphasizes the critical importance of early detection.

One convenient place to order STD testing online is Request A Test, Ltd., founded in 2001. They are comprised of advanced degreed business professionals and medical doctors who wanted to remove the challenge and embarrassment from HIV and STD testing.

As Sir Francis Bacon said, "Knowledge is Power." Testing for HIV empowers you to take control of your health and prevent transmitting HIV to others.

Confidential and anonymous HIV testing has now become affordable, as low as $59. HIV tests along with other STD tests such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, herpes and syphilis can be ordered securely online. Same day testing at 1200 convenient locations NATIONWIDE and results by phone make it a very discreet process. Your data is SECURE, Request A Test, Ltd adheres to the same privacy laws followed by physicians in the United States. Your personal information is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Contact:
Request A Test, Ltd.
8803 Brecksville Road, Suite 7-130
Brecksville, Ohio 44141
1-888-PEACE-4U (732-2348)
1-866-DUDAS-NO (383-2766) (español)
http://www.RequestATest.com/

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