Question
Can I infect my partner if I’m not using ARVs?
7 April 2020. Related: All topics.
I’ve been off my meds for 6 months, (I’ve got access issues as I’m not on my home country) and been having unprotected sex with my partner for 3 months. They aren’t aware of my status. Are they at risk? Before I stopped taking my meds my viral load was undetectable and my CD4 was 300.
Answer
Thanks for your question.
When someone stops taking ARVs their viral load usually rebounds within 7 days. Once this happens their viral load is no longer undetectable. What this means is that if you’ve been having sex without a condom since you stopped taking ARVs, your partner has been at risk. They are going to need to test and test as soon as possible. This is important because they may have been infected and they’ll need to start taking ARVs. If your partner isn’t aware of your status, this might be a difficult conversation to have, however it’s one that you need to have.
With regards to not being on medication, which country are you in? I’m asking as in most countries you can get ARVs. If for some reason you can’t access meds, when will you be going back home?
Hi Cat,
I’m sorry to hear your story. It sounds like things are tough.
But if you can’t access your meds it’s important that you do not use PrEP. This can mean there will be drug resistance. And then going back on your old treatment might not work well.
But you can use condoms, or your partner can use PrEP. Is there no help for you to access your meds in Japan? Especially as there are no flights back to the Philippines.
im going back to philippines after this pandemic,i cant go back because theres no flight for now,,the immigration says to me that tentative i can go back by month of MAY,,i cannot tell him for now my situation we have many issues and i dont want to get it worse,,,i cannot access to meds in japan because im illegal now and im out of medication,,,i really dont know what to do,,is me taking prep medicine like tavin-em is okay for now until get back to my country,,,i have tavin em and do u think its gonna less risk for him even we make love u protected,,,