Question

Which age group is more infected by HIV than others?

25 August 2006. Related: All topics.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

This varies in different countries. In general, HIV is a sexually transmitted disease, so the highest prevalence in new infections is in newly sexually active adults. Usually this mean between 16-25, but will vary by country. There is sometimes a difference between the average age for men and women.

In countries where HIV is mainly transmitted by sharing IV drug equipment, then new infections are also mainly younger people, and their partners.

In countries that do not have access to combination therapy, there are larger numbers of children infected with HIV, either at birth, or through breastfeeding, if the mother is HIV-positive.

Some countries also report a growing incidence of HIV in older adults, who no longer need contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but where the risk of HIV is still high.