Can I transmit HIV if I am undetectable?
Can I transmit HIV if I am undetectable?
An undetectable viral load is where antiretroviral treatment (ART) has reduced your HIV to such small quantities that it can no longer be detected by standard blood tests. People living with HIV who have an undetectable viral load cannot pass HIV on through sex. Being undetectable does not mean your HIV is cured.
At what CD4 count is HIV undetectable?
Higher numbers of CD4 cells indicate that the person’s immune system is stronger and better able to fight off infections. When the viral load reaches less than 200 copies/ml of blood, doctors consider that HIV is undetectable.
What’s a normal CD4 count?
A normal CD4 count is from 500 to 1,400 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. CD4 counts decrease over time in persons who are not receiving ART. At levels below 200 cells per cubic millimeter, patients become susceptible to a wide variety of OIs, many of which can be fatal.
What is the lowest viral load?
The results of a viral load test are described as the number of copies of HIV RNA in a millilitre of blood. But your doctor will normally just talk about your viral load as a number. For example, a viral load of 10,000 would be considered low; 100,000 would be considered high.
What does it mean to have ‘undetectable’ HIV?
Being undetectable with a viral load less than 200 copies/mL for at least six months means you won’t transmit HIV to other people during sex. Being undetectable also means that the virus is less able to attack your immune system cells which means you will be less likely to get sick if you come into contact with germs, viruses or other infections.
What is the best Test to detect HIV?
The primary tests for diagnosing HIV and AIDs include: ELISA Test — ELISA, which stands for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is used to detect HIV infection. Home Tests — The only home test approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is called the Home Access Express Test, which is sold in pharmacies.
Can you get HIV from someone who is undetectable?
Any person known to be HIV infected should not donate blood, even if their most recent viral load is undetectable. People with HIV who are undetectable can still transmit the virus to another person sexually, to an infant (if a pregnant woman), or via blood transfusion.
Will HIV tests be positive if viral load is undetectable?
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.
