Healthcare professionals continue to encourage prompt HIV treatment

Following this year's National HIV Testing Day that was held on June 27, healthcare professionals have continued to promote their message of the importance of appropriate treatment after receiving positive test results.

If an individual has contracted HIV, members of the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest consulting a doctor about possible treatment options. Since 2007, the two organizations have partnered to offer resources that benefit primary care physicians helping patients who are beginning HIV treatment.

Doctors who take advantage of these resources can enhance their efforts towards testing, diagnosing and treating patients with the disease. General practitioners seeking further information can contact the AAHIVM and will be put in touch with a team of HIV specialists.

James Friedman, executive director of the AAHIVM, stated that "testing an individual for HIV is only the first step." He added that "there needs to be follow-through to ensure that the patient is connected to an HIV-care provider."

Despite annual events that raise awareness of the dangers of unprotected sex and HIV, thousands of individuals test positive for the disease each year.In 2006, approximately 56,300 Americans were infected with the virus that causes AIDS, according to the CDC.