Q and A

Question

Can my partner be infected if I am on treatment?

29 January 2024. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV transmission, Sero different couples.

I was tested HIV positive November 2022 and I went for my viral load test in August but I haven’t received my result yet and I had unprotected sex in January 2024.
Is it possible that my partner could get infected?

Answer

Answer: Josh Peasegood

Hi, how are you doing?

Have you not had any viral load results since 2022?

After a year of being on treatment it would be expected that your viral load would be undetectable/below 200. In this case there is no risk of transmission as explained by U=U.

Even if your viral load is higher than this, being on treatment is still going to greatly reduce the risk of transmission. While it is still advised for your partner to have regular testing to be aware of their own status, the risk of having unprotected sex with yourself is little to none and you do not need to be concerned.

Josh.

4 comments

  1. Josh Peasegood •

    HI Thano, do you know the viral load of your partner? When someone is on HIV treatment with a viral load below 200/undetectable, it is impossible to pass on HIV via sex without a condom.

    U=U states that when someone has an undetectable viral load they are also untransmissible.

    U=U: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/

    Even if your partner has a viral load greater than this, being on treatment will still greatly reduce the risk of transmission and this would not be an exposure that would warrant you being worried.

  2. Thano •

    I slept with my partner who is positive but on treatment. We had sex a months and I’m not circumsed. So is it possible for me to get affected ?

  3. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Simon, a viral load of 20 is considered undetectable. As your partner is on treatment there is no risk of transmission and you do not need to be on PEP. This is called U=U.

    U=U: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/

  4. Simon •

    If her viral load was confirmed in April 2023 to be 20 and we had sex on 26th December (one off) .But no new viral load test yet. Do I have to be concern about catching the virus? Bybrhe way I was on PEP and just finished taking it. Although I have sumptomsy.Please advise me on my chances