Question

Why does screening matter?

The CDC estimates that _ out of _ HIV+ americans are unaware of their infection.

Screening is important because:

1) individuals can learn whether or not they are ____
2) benefit from early ____
3) reduce the risk of spreading the _____ to their partners

Answer 1

Screening for HIV is crucial because it helps individuals determine their infection status, enables early treatment, and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

Step-by-step explanation:

Screening matters for several critical reasons. According to the CDC, a significant number of HIV-positive Americans are unaware of their infection. Screening is essential because it allows individuals to learn whether or not they are infected, benefit from early treatment, and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to their partners.

When people are infected with HIV, the virus progressively destroys CD4 T-cells, which are crucial for the immune system. Over time, if untreated, this leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Early diagnosis through screening can lead to timely intervention with antiretroviral therapy, transforming HIV from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition.

Moreover, by knowing their status, individuals can take steps to prevent transmission to others, such as using condoms during sexual contact. By reducing the number of undiagnosed cases through widespread screening, the spread of HIV can be significantly curtailed, and those infected can lead healthier, longer lives.

Answer 2

Screening is vital for individuals to learn if they are HIV-positive, start early treatment, and decrease HIV spread to partners.

Step-by-step explanation:

Screening matters because it enables individuals to learn their HIV status, benefit from early treatment, and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.

The CDC estimates that a significant proportion of HIV-positive Americans are unaware of their infection. This lack of awareness can lead to late diagnoses, poorer health outcomes, and an increased likelihood of transmitting HIV to others.

Early diagnosis through screening allows those affected to receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), which can keep the virus under control and reduce their viral load to an undetectable level, substantially lowering the chance of HIV transmission and leading to a healthier life.