Question
Do I need PEP if my partner is on treatment?
25 January 2023. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE, Sero different couples.
Should I take PEP medication when my partner has been on HIV treatment for three years?
Answer
Hi, how are you?
Do you know your partners viral load? Being on treatment means their viral load will be suppressed.
If their viral load is below 200 there is no risk of transmission. This is called U=U. This means that when on treatment and someone has a viral load below 200, it is impossible for HIV to be transmitted via sex.
Being on treatment for 3 years means that HIV is being suppressed. Even without knowing their viral load, this would be considered low risk. In the UK PEP would not be advised.
Josh.
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