A glance at HIV in 21st century America

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, remains a significant public health issue in 21st-century America. While advances in medical treatment have improved the outlook for people living with HIV, the virus still affects a significant number of people and communities across the country.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1.2 million people in the United States were living with HIV at the end of 2018. Of those, an estimated 14% were unaware of their status. Certain groups, such as gay and bisexual men, African Americans, and Hispanic/Latinx individuals, continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV.

While there is still no cure for HIV, there are highly effective antiretroviral medications that can suppress the virus and prevent the progression to AIDS, the most advanced stage of HIV infection. When taken as prescribed, these medications can also reduce the risk of HIV transmission to others. In addition, there are now various options for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) that can reduce the risk of HIV infection in individuals who may be at higher risk.