Question
Is a viral load of 40 OK?
1 February 2018. Related: All topics.
I’m pregnant, and on medication. My viral load is 40, what can I do to make it lower?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
A viral load of 40 is excellent. This means that you’re undetectable, and that you can’t transmit HIV through sexual intercourse. It also means that there will be less risk to your baby.
You’re already doing the best thing possible by being on ARVs and adhering to them.
Hi Emmy,
If you’ve been adhering to your medication, it’s very possible that this could be a lab error. Are you able to have it retested?
When thinking about transmission, what’s important is that your viral load is below 200. This is because the evidence that was used in the PARTNER study was collected from people with a VL of 200.
Viral load of 199 is dangerous, I was undetectable BT now it came back 199 And I’m stressed about that, what are the chances for me to infect my husband?
Hi Palesa,
A viral load of 35 means that your HIV is under control. You’re doing really well. It also means that the risk of transmitting HIV to your baby is drastically reduced. For more info please see here: http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
Breastfeeding guidelines vary depending on where it is that a woman lives. In the UK even if you have an undetectable viral load the advice is not to breastfeed. However, in countries in Sub Saharan Africa breastfeeding is advised.
Hello my viral load is 35 I wanted know what that means and if my baby is safe since I am pregnant also if breastfeeding is an option for me
Hi Erasmus,
No there isn’t any risk, please see here: http://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
My Gay Top Partner is positive and has viral under <40 and viral load log value <1.60. We have had unprotected sex before. Is there any risk ?
Hi Elsie,
No there isn’t a risk. Please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/14531
My Partner has viral load below 40 can he transfer virus through his semen when having anal sex?
Hi Desire,
This is excellent news, well done you.
Please see Q’s 9 and 14 here: https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
Good day
I got my results today and my viral load is 41 and cd4 is 615.I am so glad i’m doing well with the meds.I just want to know can a man give me oral down there if he is not positive.
Thank you