SPONSORED POST FROM THE CDC Live Well With HIV By Seeking Treatment

An important message from the CDC:  More than 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV. Approximately 168,000 of those people have never been diagnosed. Additionally, more than 50% of those infected with HIV are not being treated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) knows that the key way to help people living with HIV to achieve longer, healthier lives is by getting people the proper medical care they need in order to lower the levels of HIV in the body. Not only does viral suppression facilitate life spans that are near normal, but it inhibits transmission of HIV to others.

And only 30% of those living with HIV have achieved viral suppression. That number could be raised to 76% by getting people the proper care they need. People tend to avoid seeking care because of poor access, cost of pharmaceuticals, a lack of knowledge about treatments, and stigma attached to HIV, but the CDC's study shows how vitally important it is to get people tested for HIV, and into care as soon as possible once diagnosed.

In fact, a 20-year-old diagnosed with HIV who gets the proper medical treatment adds an average of nearly 40 years to his or her life. Treatment works, and that's the message of the CDC's campaign which is informed by the input of more than 100 people living with HIV.

No matter what your HIV status is, talk can still be the perfect foreplay. Start Talking. Stop HIV., CDC's national campaign created by and for gay and bisexual men, promotes open communication about HIV prevention among sexual partners and encourages men in all types of relationships to talk about: HIV testing, their HIV status, condom use, and medicines that help prevent and treat HIV. For conversation starters, visit the CDC's campaign site and Start Talking in an effort to Stop HIV among gay and bisexual men. Join the conversation on Facebook at Starting Talking, Stop HIV.


To read more about how HIV treatment works, visit the CDC's website to find out how to get in care, stay in care, live well, and find the resources and social services providers that will help you achieve viral suppression and live a longer, healthier life.

THIS WAS A SPONSORED POST FROM THE CDC.