Question
I’ve been on meds for 8 months, will my viral load be undetectable?
11 May 2021. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
I’ve been taking ARVs for 8 months. When I was diagnosed my CD4 was 604 and my Vl was 13,008. Due to the pandemic, I’ve not had my viral load checked since I started medication, will it now be undetectable? I’ve due to have it checked next month.
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
When someone starts taking ARVs their viral load should become undetectable within 1-3 months of starting treatment. However, for some people it can take slightly longer.
To know for sure if your viral load is undetectable or not, you’ll need to have a test, which it sounds like you’re going to be doing very soon.
Once your viral load is undetectable, there’s no risk to sexual partners, please see here: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
Hi Ella, how often are you skipping your treatment? and have you ever had your viral load checked?
With good adherence most people will be undetectable within 3 months of starting treatment. This means that they will then be able to pass on HIV to their partner via sex. The more often you miss treatment, the more you risk not being undetectable.
Are you able to go to a test? and is there a reason you are forgetting? Some people find it helps to set alarms on their phone to prompt them to remember their treatment. Missing an occasional dose e.g., once every few months, is not going to be a problem. Forgetting multiple times a week can lead to treatment resistance and risking your viral load becoming detectable.
Hlo ma…. I have been on med for 1 year and 9 months now… I have not checked my viral loads, but I skip my drugs because sometimes i forget, will i Infect my partner with HIV?