Question
My viral load is 500.
2 January 2022. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Starting treatment.
Hi, what does it mean when you’re viral load is 500?
Answer
Hi, how are you?
Viral load is measures how much HIV is currently replicating within your body. The value can be well in excess of 100,000 copies. A viral load of 500 is very good.
Are you on any medication? Viral load is often only an important test when determining how well your medication is working. 500 would indicate that the medication is working well and it is likely to continue to fall. If you have started treatment recently, it is expected that your viral load will be undetectable within 3 months of starting.
If you have another question please get in touch,
Josh.
Hello Israel and thanks for getting in touch.
That is Hepatitis B, not HIV, you are asking about.
Please discuss with your doctor about the next steps
My HBV load is 561IU/mL,.., what it mean, I have to start medication or not?
Hi Louh
Thanks for your Q which is really important.
As the answer is quite detailed I answered it as a new Q&A at this link:
https://i-base.info/qa/25301
My viral load was less than 50 last year 2023
Now this year its 260 dont know whats going on
And in my country we only test viral load once a year what should i do to make it less
Hi Andy
Thanks, sometimes viral load fluctuates without use being aware of this, because it is only measured once or twice a year. A result of 137 is still very low.
In the UK, a results of 137 would be routinely checked by having another viral load test.
It is very common for the second test to find that viral load is then undetectable again.
My viral load is 137 copies. But 5 months ago it was below 20 copies. I have been taking my medecines regularly. should I worry
Hi Bruno, are you on/how long have you been on treatment? and are you taking it daily?
Hi my vl is 500ml but i dont knw my cd4 count