Question

Can I pass on HIV with a viral load of 200?

29 August 2023. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV transmission, Newly diagnosed.

Hi, I have been on ARVs for two months now and my viral load is 200. Can I still infect another person with HIV? and if so what are the risks to me?

Answer

Answer: Josh Peasegood

Hi, how are you doing?

It is great that you are on treatment and your viral load is already suppressed.

When you have a viral load of 200 or less you cannot pass on HIV via sex. This means there is no risk to your partners of passing on HIV.

This is called U=U. This stands for undetectable = untransmissable. When someone has a viral load below 200/undetectable and on treatment, the treatment is working well enough that sexual transmission is no longer a risk.

Josh.