What Is HIV Viral Load?
For people living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus):
- “Viral load” is the amount of HIV found in a sample of a person’s blood. Medications for HIV lower (or suppress) viral load.
- Viral load is called “suppressed” when testing shows less than 200 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood.
- Viral load is called “undetectable” when the amount of HIV in the blood is so low that it can’t be seen in a blood test.
Why Get to Undetectable Status?
When a person living with HIV has an undetectable viral load, they can stay healthier.
- Studies show that if a person is taking their HIV medications as directed and has an undetectable viral load for 6 months or more, they cannot pass HIV to others by having sex. This is known as “undetectable=untransmittable,” or “U=U”.
- Having an undetectable viral load does not mean a person no longer has HIV. They must continue to take medication to stay healthy and keep their viral load suppressed.
Tips for Reaching Undetectable Status
Medical experts say that by taking HIV medication as instructed, most people living with HIV can suppress their viral load and reach undetectable status. Here are five tips for reaching an undetectable viral load:
- Have your viral load tested regularly.
- Keep all health care appointments.
- Take all medications the way your health care provider tells you to. If you find it hard to take your medications, tell your provider right away. There may be other treatments for you.
- If you will be away from home, make sure you take enough medication(s) with you.
- If you have trouble remembering to take your medications:
• Set an alarm, or use a smartphone app to remind you.
• Use a pillbox.
Important Reminder
Medications for HIV don’t protect you from other sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. To protect yourself from other sexually transmitted infections, practice safer sex, like using condoms and dental dams.