Question
I’m undetectable. Is it safe to have sex with someone not taking ARVs?
16 May 2022. Related: Adherence, All topics, HIV reinfection (superinfection), HIV transmission, PrEP, Southern Africa.
What is the risk of having unprotected sex with someone who is HIV positive not taking treatment?
I am on treatment, Volutrip, my viral load is undetectable.
I’m based in South Africa.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
While you are taking Volutrip daily there is no risk to you.
Volutrip is a generic version of TLD. TLD is a combination that can be used to both treat and prevent HIV transmission.
In theory, reinfection could occur if your partner already has drug resistance to the meds in TLD. In practice this risk will be very low because resistance to dolutegravir in South Africa is still very rare.
As you are undetectable there is no risk of reinfection a partner who is HIV positive but not on ART.
Is there a reason your partner is not taking ARVs? Doing so will reduce their own risk of passing on HIV to others and keep themselves healthy.
Josh.
Hi Phindile, thank you for telling me. Is he aware that he needs to go for a blood count? and do you know if he has one booked?
Hi Phindile, thank you for telling me. Does he have a full blood count booked? and does he know why he needs it?
He supposed to go to the doctor for a full HIV blood test but he has not done so yet.