Dr. Harry ChenBURLINGTON, Vt. -
The Health Department kicked off a new initiative Monday to get more Vermonters tested for HIV.
It is called the 11-year initiative. Doctors say it takes 11 years on average for an HIV infection to develop into the AIDS virus. They hope this form of testing will become part of a regular routine.
You can test for the infefection through oral swab tests or through traditional blood tests, and if you do not have insurance there are free clinics throughout the state.
Health Commissioner Dr. Harry Chen says most people haven't been tested because they feel healthy.
"People are obviously afraid that they will be positive, but I think it's important to understand that they can be treated. The lifespan with HIV and AIDS is now very close to normal life span. We have come a long way," he says.
Dr. Chen and state epidemiologist Patsy Kelso will announce more on the 11-year initiative and be the guinea pigs for testing options at Fletcher Allen Monday.
