There are more tools to effectively prevent HIV than ever before. Since no single strategy provides complete protection or is right for all individuals, a combination of methods is needed to help reduce HIV transmission. CDC and its partners are currently pursuing a High-Impact Prevention approach to reducing the continued toll of HIV. This approach seeks to use the best mix of proven, cost-effective, and scalable interventions for high-risk populations and areas of the nation (see "Future of HIV Prevention" fact sheet for information).

This information sheet provides an overview of HIV/AIDS in the United States, including the number of persons with the disease. It states that the number of new infections has remained stable, but that an estimated 50,000 persons who become newly infected every year is too high. It notes that nearly 15,000 people with AIDS still die each year in the United States. The information sheet provides statistics on the heavily affected populations by risk group and race/ethnicity.

This manual provides guidelines for treatment and health care maintenance of persons with HIV infection. It discusses testing and counseling, the initial evaluation of patients, initiating antiretroviral therapy, what drugs should be used, adverse reactions, and the issue of patient adherence to therapy. It also includes special considerations for treating pregnant women.