HIV and Older People

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Key Points

  • According to an HIV Surveillance Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of the nearly 1.1 million people living with diagnosed HIV in the United States and dependent areas in 2021, about 41% (441,614) were aged 55 and older.
  • Many HIV risk factors are the same for people of any age, but older people are less likely to get tested for HIV.
  • Treatment

Drug Resistance

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Key Points

  • HIV mutations sometimes develop while a person is taking HIV medicines, which may cause drug-resistant HIV that can be transmitted to other people.
  • Once drug resistance develops, HIV medicines that previously controlled a person’s HIV are no longer effective.

HIV Treatment Adherence

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Key Points

  • Treatment adherence includes starting HIV treatment, keeping all medical appointments, and taking HIV medicines exactly as prescribed.

What to Start: Choosing an HIV Treatment Regimen

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Key Points

  • People with HIV take a combination of HIV medicines to form a complete HIV treatment regimen).
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved more than 50 HIV medicines to treat HIV infection.
  • People with HIV should discuss HIV treatment options with their health care provider to suit their individual needs, including

HIV and Immunizations

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Key Points

  • Although there are no vaccines to prevent or treat HIV, people with HIV can benefit from getting vaccines against other diseases like hepatitis B and influenza.
  • Factors such as age, previous vaccinations, likelihood of getting a particular disease, certain HIV-related factors, and pregnancy status can impact which vaccines are recommended.

 

Just Diagnosed: Next Steps After Testing Positive for HIV

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Key Points

  • Although an HIV diagnosis might seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that HIV can be treated effectively with HIV medicines, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.
  • The first step after testing positive for HIV is to see a health care provider, even if you do not feel sick.