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Almost half of young people (aged 13-24) with human immunodeficiency virus or HIV do not know they have it. For youth who test negative, testing services can connect them to HIV prevention resources. Youth who test positive can be connected to health services and take medicine to treat HIV.
Treating HIV means taking medicine to lower the amount of virus in the blood—so low that a test can’t measure it. This is the best thing to do to stay healthy.
Sexual risk behaviors can lead to HIV, STDs, and pregnancy. CDC data show declines in sexual risk behaviors among high school students from 2011 to 2021. Fewer students are currently sexually active. And fewer have ever had sex—down from 47% in 2011 to 30% in 2021.
However, many youth engage in health risk behaviors and experiences that can result in unintended outcomes. According to CDC data:
The data show there is work to be done to support healthy adolescent development. Addressing HIV among youth means teaching them skills to reduce their risk, make healthy decisions, and get treatment and care if needed.
Schools can help prevent HIV. The nation’s schools reach millions of students every day. Schools are a place for students to learn about the dangers of unhealthy behaviors, and to practice skills that promote a healthy lifestyle. Schools are in a unique position to help youth adopt behaviors that reduce their risk for HIV.
Youth need to understand their risk and know how to protect themselves against HIV.
CDC’s adolescent and school health program, What Works in Schools implements activities focused on primary prevention within the U.S. education system. CDC reaches approximately 2 million students by funding education agencies and a network of leaders in school-based HIV, STD, and pregnancy prevention. These funded partners:
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