Question

I’m not on meds, can I transmit HIV to sexual partners?

18 November 2019. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV transmission.

I’ve know about my status for 3 months. I’m yet to start medication. Can I transmit HIV to sexual partners?

Answer

Answer: Lisa Thorley

Thanks for getting in touch.

Unless your viral load is undetectable, then yes, if you have sex without using a condom you risk infecting sexual partners. The only time there isn’t any risk is when a persons HIV is under control, so when their viral load is undetectable.

If you want to control your health as well as ensure that you don’t transmit, you need to be on ARVs.