Question
I missed six days of meds when my clinic closed – will I be okay?
25 March 2025. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, Southern Africa, Support.
Hi, I’m from South Africa and I’ve missed six days of taking the meds because they were finished and the clinic I was using closed permanently due to Trump stopping the AID. I recently got the transfer letter and got the medication from another local clinic.
Will missing six days cause problem for my health? My viral load was 19 and cd4 count 498 and I was using Volutrip (DLT).
Please reply as soon as possible I’m worried.
Answer
Hi there
Thank you for writing in and letting us post this Q&A online.
I am really sorry that you had to go through this experience but it is very good that arrangements to get treatment were arranged so quickly.
The decision to cancel US funding will affect millions of people and closed thousands of clinics, without even giving anyone notice to make new arrangements.
Although it is better not to take a treatment break, this is an emergency situation. Your health will not be affected by the six days off. Your viral load and CD4 count will still be the same.
Please see this link for more information about what to do if a clinic closes or runs out of meds.
Stopping ART safely if your clinic is closed or runs out of meds: a practical guide.
https://i-base.info/htb/50701
Hello Petro and thanks for getting in touch.
Why is your partner only taking his ARVs like that? Is it because of side effects?
Or is he afraid he will not be able to find medication later on and is making them last?
I understand your concern for both your partner and yourself.
The simple answer is that if he is undetectable (viral load under 200 copies) you don’t have a reason to worry.
If there is difficulty accessing tests and you are worried the only ways to protect yourself is by taking PrEP or by using condoms.
Hi Doctor. I’m just concerned. My partner is pHiv+ but he’s not taking his arvs daily. He skips a day it two meaning he only takes them 3 times a week. How safe am I from being infected?