HIV in the (K)now

Approximately 38 million globally and 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV today. About 14 percent in the U.S. (1 in 7) don't know it and need testing.  Between 2000 and 2019, new HIV infections in the U.S. fell 39% and HIV-related deaths dropped by 51%.  In this edition of CARELetter we'll learn more about HIV, HIV terms, and what's the latest about HIV disease treatment and prevention.  For more stats click the globe.  

The Future of HIV Treatment

A major goal for new treatment options is to develop long-lasting therapies that can be taken only once a week, once a month, or even less often.  

Therapeutic HIV Vaccines are an exciting approach for HIV treatment.  These are for people who already have HIV where a vaccine stimulates the immune system to be ready to control HIV and thereby end the need for further therapy.  This could lead to sustained viral suppression, meaning a patient would maintain prolonged undetectable levels of HIV without other therapies.        

HIV definitions

AIDS-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Antibody-a substance in blood formed in response to invading viruses

HAART-Highly active anti-retroviral therapy.  Medications which help fight HIV/AIDS.

HIV-Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Immune System-a variety of cells that protects the body from viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi

Seroconversion-the change from the absence of HIV antibodies to the presence of HIV antibodies

Vaccine-a substance that contains components to stimulate an immune response but not stimulate a disease

Viral Suppression-when a person's HIV viral load is reduced to an undetectable level. Viral suppression does not mean a person is cured; HIV still remains in the body.