According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1.1 million people are living with HIV in the United States. HIV has a reputation for being an immensely lethal virus. In fact, at the start of the epidemic over 30 years ago, people who were diagnosed with AIDS or HIV were expected to live only a couple of years or less. Fortunately, thanks to advances in modern medicine and improvements in the effectiveness of treatment for HIV (antiretroviral therapy called ART), people with HIV have the opportunity to live long and healthy lives.
Nearly half the people with diagnosed HIV in the United States are over the age of 50, which is a testament to the treatment. This infographic explores the reality of HIV in different counties and states, which helps shed insight on areas where more education and better treatment availability may be needed.
