Ages 13 to 64 should get HIV tested
The National Institutes of Health says if you're age 13 to 64 you should get tested for HIV/AIDS. I confess I hadn't seen this previously as a standard recommendation similar to prostate cancer testing or mammography. But it makes sense because if the virus is detected, prevention can occur. Of course, it's long been reported that you should always presume anyone with whom you expect to share bodily fluids should be considered a carrier of infectious illness.
That's why health providers, EMTs and other first responders are routinely asked to take "standard precautions" and wear gloves when working closely with patients who might, for example, be bleeding. If you knew someone had hepatitis or HIV, it would be unwise to treat the person's cut leg without gloves as a barrier, especially if you yourself have an open wound that you may or may not be aware of.
Shared blood is one way HIV and other blood-borne illnesses spread.
Want to get tested for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections? Call your local county public health unit for testing, or referral. Or dial with landline 2-1-1 in Minnesota to be connected to United Way 211 or with cell to 800-543-7709, where you can get referred for STD testing.
Dodge County Public Health
635-6150
Fillmore County Public Health
765-3898
Goodhue County Public Health
385-6100
Houston County Public Health
725-5810
Mower County Public Health
437-9770
Olmsted County Public Health
328-7500
Steele County Public Health
444-7650
Wabasha County Public Health
565-5200
Winona County Public Health
457-6400
By Jeff Hansel, member Association of Health Care Journalists
Health Reporter for the Post-Bulletin newspaper, 18 1st Ave. S.E. in Rochester, Minnesota 55904

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