All of the following are TRUE statements about HIV/AIDS EXCEPT:

• A. The number of deaths in the US from AIDS has increased steadily since the early years of the pandemic
• B. AIDS-related death can be a socially unspeakable loss
• C. The HIV virus now affects a broader segment of society than it once did
• D. Antiretroviral drugs and drug therapy combinations have allowed those with HIV infection and AIDS to live longer

Answer: (A)

Mortality trends shifted dramatically with treatment. In the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, deaths rose quickly, but after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy in the mid-1990s, AIDS-related deaths declined dramatically and have remained much lower than the peak years. That makes the statement about deaths increasing steadily incorrect. The other points reflect real aspects: AIDS-related loss can be shadowed by stigma and silence; HIV affects a broader and more diverse segment of society than in the past; and modern antiretroviral regimens enable people with HIV to live longer, fuller lives with better health.