HIV Stages of Care

CDC’s latest Vital Signs Report finds just 30 percent of the 1.2 million Americans living with HIV have the virus under control.   Among those who don’t have their virus in check, two-thirds have been diagnosed, but are no longer in care. 

When used consistently, antiretroviral treatment can keep HIV at very low levels in the body (known as viral suppression), allowing people with HIV to live longer, healthier lives and substantially reducing the likelihood that they will transmit the virus to others. 

Young people aged 18-24 were least likely to have the virus under control, in large part because fewer than half don’t know they are infected.  The study did not find statistically significant differences in viral suppression by race or ethnicity, sex, or risk group.

Today’s report underscores the importance of making sure people with HIV receive ongoing care, treatment, and other information and tools that help prevent transmission to others, as well as the need to reach more people with HIV testing. 

Contact Information

Tom Frieden, MD, MPH

Biography

"For people living with HIV, it’s not just about knowing you’re infected – it’s also about going to the doctor for medical care. And for health care facilities, it’s not just about the patients in your care – it’s every person diagnosed, and every person whose diagnosis has not yet been made. Key to controlling the nation’s HIV epidemic is helping people with HIV get connected to – and stay in – care and treatment, to suppress the virus, live longer and help protect others."

Tom Frieden, MD, MPH - Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Jonathan Mermin, MD, MPH

Biography

"There is untapped potential to drive down the epidemic through improved testing and treatment, but we’re missing too many opportunities. Treatment is crucial. It is one of our most important strategies for stopping new HIV infections."

Jonathan Mermin, MD, MPH - Director, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

Eugene McCray, MD

Biography

"It’s alarming that fewer than half of HIV-positive young adults know they are infected. Closing that gap could have a huge impact on controlling HIV – knowing your status is the first critical step toward taking care of your own health and avoiding transmission to others."

Eugene McCray, MD - Director, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention