News1130, 12 May 2014

Health minister says early detection is key

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The province wants everyone aged 18-70 to start getting tested for HIV/AIDS every five years.

But for anyone that age who "belong to populations with a higher burden of HIV infections," the recommendation is to be tested every year.

"Getting an HIV test, regardless of your risk factor... it's now an important part of overall care. As minister of health, as a husband and a father, I believe that a healthy lifestyle includes regular testing," says Health Minister Terry Lake.

"[The] guidelines will help remove the stigma some associate with HIV as BC continues to set a standard for care and treatment of this disease," he adds.

Lake says making testing more accessible will help with early detection and that means a better chance of getting healthy. He wants doctors and nurses to offer the HIV test with regular blood tests.

"The new guidelines are similar to recommendations made by expert bodies in the USA, UK, and France," says Provincial Medical Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall. "They are evidence-based and were written by an expert panel of BC doctors from a number of clinical specialties.

Right now, only pregnant women are routinely offered HIV testing, which the province claims has virtually eliminated HIV transmission from mother to child in BC.

The guidelines also recommend HIV testing for anyone of any age whenever:

• They have a new or worsening medical condition that calls for lab work
• They have symptoms of HIV infection or advanced HIV disease
• They or their doctor feel there is a risk they may have contracted the virus
• They request a test
• They are pregnant

Anita Bathe

Source: News1130