Question
My viral load is 71, is this OK?
3 March 2019. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
I’ve just gotten my viral load results back, its 71, is this OK?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
Are you on medication? If you are, how long have you been on it for?
If you’re on medication and you’re new to medication, a viral load of 71 is really good. You’re close to being undetectable. When your viral load goes to 50 copies. Your HIV will be fully controlled.
If you’re not on medication, then you may be what’s called an elite controller.
Hi Daniel, no you do not need to worry. You are still considered undetectable and U=U still applies. It is great that your CD4 count has continued to increased. This shows that your treatment is still working.
A small rise in viral load is not uncommon. This can be caused by recent infection/vaccine or could be a random blip. Blips are normal and are small temporary increases in viral load that will drop again and return to normal. As this is only a very small increase there is no reason to be concerned.
Hi! I have switch ( starting December) my treatment from Genvoya to Bictarvy. My viral load when i start Bictarvy was 20 and CD 4 670, now after 3 month of Bictarvy mu cd 4 is 820 but viral load is 71… should i worry? I am stil undetectable? Many thanks for your answer.