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 Perelade, there is no risk of transmission. When you have a viral load below 200/undetectable and on treatment there is no risk of transmission.
This is explained by U=U: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
Hi,my viral load below 20 is the any risk of transfer through sex to my partner and infected when she is pregnant.
Hi Belinda, your viral load is excellent. This means your treatment is working and transmission to baby is very unlikely. Please follow here for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/infant-meds-when-the-mother-is-living-with-hiv
How good or bad is it when your viral load is 85 and you are pregnant as well.
Hi Belkis, no you cannot infect anyone. If your viral load is below 200 U=U still applies and you cannot pass on HIV via sex.
I have been undetectable for 10 years one blip my viral load is 100 am I still considered undectable or suppress and can I infect anyone
Hi Irvine,
Please see Q’s 6, 9 and 14 here: http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
Hi my partner is hiv positive and I my negative. We want to start a family , having a Child which option we can use in this situation
Hi Fatmata, guidelines are difficult in different countries and depending on your circumstances. If it is not safe to use formula milk, then exclusive breastfeeding is safer as long as your viral load is undetectable. You also have to be careful to check that you nipples are healthy and not cracked and that your own health is good (ie within stomach problems etc). Please talk about this with your doctor and nurse too.
If my viral load is undetectable can I breastfeed and how long