HIV Care Saves Lives

Viral Suppression is Key

November 2014

1.2 M

In 2011, more than 1.2 million people were living with HIV in the US.

4 in 10

Only 4 in 10 people living with HIV were in HIV medical care.

3 in 10

Only 3 in 10 people living with HIV achieved viral suppression.

Viral suppression is key for people living with HIV. Viral suppression means having very low levels of HIV in the body, even though the virus is still there. Achieving viral suppression by taking HIV medicines allows people living with HIV to have nearly normal lifespans and greatly reduces their chances of transmitting the virus. While we have made progress in HIV prevention and care, only 30% of all people living with HIV have achieved viral suppression. If they are in HIV medical care, however, 76% of people achieve viral suppression. Getting and keeping people in HIV medical care saves lives.

Doctors, nurses, and health care systems can:

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 such as nutrition, housing, or mental health services.
Work with health departments to get and keep people in HIV medical care.