Question
My viral load is undetectable can I be reinfected?
11 June 2020. Related: All topics, HIV reinfection (superinfection).
Hi. If my viral load is undetectable and I have unprotected sex with someone who has a high viral load with a different strain of HIV, will my meds stop me contracting that form of HIV as well?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
Given that your HIV is under control, it’s very unlikely that you’ll be reinfected, this is because your meds will protect you. For further info, please see here: https://i-base.info/ttfa/section-2/7-reinfection-with-hiv/
Hi Dew – thanks for writing about your situation. The changes from COVID have affected nearly everyone in every country. This often means fewer clinic visits and less monitoring tests.
Luckily, HIV treatment seems to still be working very well even with a few less tests. So long as you have been good taking your meds, your viral load is likely to still be undetectable.
Please explain your situation to your doctor though as your plans to have a baby might mean you can get an additional test, just to be sure.
Hi,
I love the chain of information I have been able to get from the comments.
I have been taking antiretrovirals for two years now. My viral load tests were conducted after the first six months and were undetectable. I have tried to get another viral load test done with no success since our government-sponsored tests were put on hold with priority given to Covid patients.
I have had occasional unprotected sex with people I don’t know their statuses. To the moment, I am very okay, and blood tests (haemograms) reveal no issues at all.
My wife is negative, we have been using condoms all through, and now we are supposed to start a journey of getting another baby.
Please help me know, since our government is currently not conducting the viral load tests, is it okay to assume that my viral load is still suppressed?
Hi Sbs9,
As you’re on medication and you’re HIV is under control the risk of being reinfected is very low. Please see here for more info: https://i-base.info/ttfa/section-2/7-reinfection-with-hiv/
Iam gay,i am undetectable and taking atripila for four years.i slept with a men that dont know his status. what is the risk of reinfection or superinfection with on other strain of HIV? Iam in a very stressful situation.
Thanks alot.
Hi Tboy,
The meds that you’re taking are excellent at controlling a persons HIV, this is why your viral load is undetectable.
Reinfection is rare, as you’re on medication and your viral load is undetectable it’s unlikely to be an issue.
I’m Tboy
From my past viral load test that was less than 20 (undetectable) in 6months ago, I’ve been taking my meds at stipulated time religiously.
But I have had unprotected sex with 2 different ladies which I don’t know maybe they are both adhering better to thier meds but they are both fine. I want to ask, can I be reinfected with another strain of the virus or a drug resistance virus.
And how strong is my meds
My meds is ACRIPTEGA (dolutegravir 50mg,lamivudine 300mg and tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 300mg)
Thanks
Hi Frank,
The time it takes to become undetectable varies a lot between different people.
It depends on which treatment you use and how high your viral load was when you started treatment.
But with a combination containing efavirenz most people become undetectable within about three months.
Hi. I’ve religiously been on efavirenz for 6 months now and due for my blood tests end of July. Does that mean I may be undetectable at this stage.
Hi Cebi,
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news about your partner. Please accept my condolences.
However, as your viral load is still undetectable your HIV meds look like they’re still working well. But reinfection with drug resistance would probably mean viral rebound.
What does your doctor say about your CD4 count results? Please talk to your doctor about what might be causing this.
Please let us know what HIV meds are you taking.
Greetings. My CD4 count was 1000 in 2015 but now it keeps on dropping, I do blood tests every six months . It’s now on 162 but my viral load is still undetectable. My partner passed away last year, he was hiv+ too. Is there a possibility that I was reinfected because his cd4 count was 1 when he passed away. Please help.
Thank you.