Only 3 in 10 Americans with HIV Have virus in check
November 26, 2014
Just 30% of the 1.2 million Americans with HIV had the virus under control in 2011, according to a report released yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among those who don’t have their virus in check, two-thirds have been diagnosed, but are no longer in care, according to the report. 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. The report says doctors, nurses and health care systems should test patients for HIV as a regular part of medical care; counsel patients who do not have HIV on how to prevent it; make sure people living with HIV are prescribed and take HIV medicines, stay in care and get supportive services; and work with health departments to get and keep people in HIV medical care.
