Question
Can I my partner catch HIV if my viral load is 100 copies/mL?
22 December 2017. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV transmission.
I’ve been on meds for 3 months, my viral load is 100, can I infect my partner?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
Although most recommendation about HIV risk and undetectable viral load used a cut of of 50 copies/mL, the PARTNER study used a cut-off of being under 200 copies/mL.
In US guidelines, undetectable is also defined as being less than 200 copies/mL.
The main risk from having a viral load of 100 copies/mL is the chance that it could increase between your next viral load test.
So although the risk now might be very low, it is probably best to wait until it goes below 50.
Hi Jethro, please see this previous question: https://i-base.info/qa/6460
It is most likely that this is a viral load blip or a lab error. If nothing has changed in your treatment, this can be quite common and is nothing to worry about. It is good that your treatment hub want to recheck your viral load. This is just to make sure that it does back down.
You are right. As you are below 200 still your viral load is still suppressed and you cannot pass on HIV via sex.
Hello , my treatment hubtold me that my viral load is 121 copies/mL. Previously, it was only below 20 copies/mL.
Should I be alarmed? My treatment hub made me feel that it was an alarming situation and want another viral load test upon my next visit
I thought as long as it’s below 200 , I’m still okay.
Hope someone can enlighten me with this.