Question
Can I experience symptoms of HIV if I am undetectable?
7 June 2022. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Living with HIV long-term.
My husband is on ART after being diagnosed 3 years ago. His viral load is undetectable. He experiences fatigue and states this is due to his HIV, despite never having any symptoms even when initially diagnosed. His doctor said you can have symptoms even when undetectable. Is this true??
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
I am sorry to hear that your husband has been feeling fatigued. How long as this been going on for?
It is great to hear that he is undetectable. What ART is he on? and do you know his CD4 count?
Unfortunately your husbands doctor is correct, fatigue can be a problem in those with an undetectable viral load. This is because even though the virus is suppressed, there is still potential for a low level back ground inflammation.
Inflammation is an immune response mounted by the body against infection. As HIV is chronic, it is possible that your husband is continuously mounting this response and can be tiresome on the body. This article by aidsmap can explain this further.
Josh.
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