HIV in the United States by Age: Viral Suppression

Viral suppression is one of the six Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. indicators. Viral suppression refers to the percentage of people with diagnosed HIV who have less than 200 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood.

Ending the HIV Epidemic goal banner for viral suppression.
Undetectable equals untransmittable goal banner for viral suppression.
HIV Care Among People with Diagnosed HIV in 47 States and the District of Columbia by Age, 2021*
Diagnosed HIV proportion of people who received care, were retained, and were virally suppressed by age group in 2021

* Data not available for children aged 12 and under.
† At least 1 viral load or CD4 test.
‡ Had 2 viral load or CD4 tests at least 3 months apart in a year.
** Based on most recent viral load test.
Source: CDC. Monitoring selected national HIV prevention and care objectives by using HIV surveillance data—United States and 6 dependent areas, 2021. HIV Surveillance Supplemental Report  2023;28(4).

Many people with HIV experience challenges with achieving and maintaining viral suppression over time. Some of these challenges include HIV stigma, physical health, mental health, and structural issues—such as food insecurity, unemployment, and unstable housing or homelessness.

Median HIV Stigma Score Among People with Diagnosed HIV in the US by Age, 2020*
Graphic shows that HIV stigma in highest among young people, and decreases as people with HIV get older.

Median HIV stigma scores are presented based on a ten-item scale ranging from 0 (no stigma) to 100 (high stigma) that measures personalized stigma during the past 12 months, current disclosure concerns, current negative self-image, and current perceived public attitudes about people with HIV.
* Data not available for people aged 17 and under.
Source: CDC. Behavioral and clinical characteristics of persons with diagnosed HIV infection—Medical Monitoring Project, United States 2020 cycle (June 2020–May 2021)HIV Surveillance Special Report 2022;29.

Self-Rated Health Among People with Diagnosed HIV in the US by Age, 2020*
This callout image states that ratings of overall health declined with age.
This graph shows what percentage of people with HIV rated their overall health good or better by age.

* Data not available for people aged 17 and under.
†Good or better self-rated health is defined as rating one’s health as good, very good, or excellent (as opposed to poor or fair) at the time of interview.
Source: CDC. Quality of life and HIV stigma—Indicators for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, 2022–2025, CDC Medical Monitoring Project, 2017–2020 cycles. HIV Surveillance Special Report 2022;30.

Unmet Need for Services from a Mental Health Professional Among People with Diagnosed HIV in the US by Age, 2020*†
Callout image states that unmet needs for mental health services declined with age.
Chart shows the percentage of people with HIV who reported needing, but not receiving mental health services by age.

* Data not available for people aged 24 and under.
† Among people with diagnosed HIV who reported an unmet need for mental health services in the past 12 months.
Source: CDC. Quality of life and HIV stigma—Indicators for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, 2022–2025, CDC Medical Monitoring Project, 2017–2020 cycles. HIV Surveillance Special Report 2022;30.

Food Insecurity, Unemployment, and Unstable Housing Among People with Diagnosed HIV in the US by Age, 2020*