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Overview
The viral load is the level of HIV in the blood. HIV-negative people have no viral load. If a person tests positive for HIV, their healthcare team may use viral load testing to monitor their condition.
Theviral loadshows how active HIV is in the system. Usually, if the viral load is high for a long time, theCD4 countis low. CD4 cells (a subset ofT cells) help activate the immune response. HIV attacks and destroys CD4 cells, which reduces the body’s response to the virus.
A low or undetectable viral load indicates the immune system is actively working to help keepHIVin check. Knowing these numbers helps determine a person’streatment.
The first viral load blood test is usually performed soon after adiagnosisof HIV.
This test is helpful before and after a change in medication. A healthcare provider will order follow-up testing at regular intervals to see whether the viral load changes over time.
A growing viral count means a person’s HIV is worsening, and changes to current therapies may be needed. A downward trend in viral load is a good sign.
Antiretroviral therapyis medication that helps to keep the viral load in the body under control. For many people, HIV treatment can substantially lower viral load levels, sometimes to undetectable levels.
A viral load is considered undetectable if a test can’t quantify the HIV particles in 1 milliliter of the blood. If a viral load is considered undetectable, it means the medication is working.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person with an undetectable viral load has “effectively no risk” of sexually transmitting HIV. In 2016, thePrevention Access Campaignlaunched the U=U, or Undetectable = Untransmittable, campaign.
A word of caution: “undetectable” doesn’t mean the virus particles aren’t there, or that a person no longer has HIV. It simply means that the viral load is so low that the test is unable to measure it.
HIV-positive people should consider continuing on antiretroviral medications to remain healthy and keep their viral loads undetectable.
Studiesshowthat there may be temporary viral load spikes, sometimes called “blips.” These spikes can happen even in people who’ve had undetectable viral load levels for an extended period.
These increased viral loads may occur between tests, and there may be no symptoms.
Viral load levels in blood or genital fluids or secretions are often similar.
A low viral load means a person is less likely to transmit HIV. But it’s important to note that the viral load test only measures the amount of HIV that’s in the blood.An undetectable viral load doesn’t mean HIV isn’t present in the body.
HIV-positive people may want to consider precautions to lower the risk ofHIV transmissionand to reduce the transmission of othersexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Usingcondomscorrectly and consistently when having sex is an effective STI prevention method.Check out this guide to using condoms.
It’s also possible to transmit HIV to partners by sharing needles. It’s never safe to share needles.
HIV-positive people may also want to consider having an open and honest discussion with their partner. They can ask their healthcare providers to explain viral load and the risks of HIV transmission.
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Taking antiretroviral medications duringpregnancyanddeliverycan greatly reduce the risk of passing HIV on to a child. Having an undetectable viral load is the goal during pregnancy.
Women can take HIV medications safely during pregnancy, but they should talk to a healthcare provider about specific regimens.
If an HIV-positive woman is already taking antiretroviral medications, pregnancy may affect how the body processes her medication. Certain changes in treatment might be needed.
The amount of the viral load of HIV-positive people in a specific group is called community viral load (CVL). A high CVL may put people within that community who don’t have HIV at greater risk ofcontractingit.
CVL can be a valuable tool in determining which HIV treatments effectively lower viral load. CVL may be useful in learning how lower viral load may affecttransmission rateswithin specific communities or groups of people.
Remember, undetectable = untransmittable. If you achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load, you will not sexually transmit HIV. Having an undetectable viral load significantly lowers the chance of transmitting HIV through shared needles, but it does not completely eliminate it.
Additionally, the
In general, early treatment has been shown to reduce the viral load count in the blood of people with HIV. Besides lowering the rates of transmission to people who don’t have HIV, early treatment and lower viral load is helping people with HIV livelonger, healthier lives.