Question
My viral load is undetectible, will I still test positive?
28 February 2012. Related: All topics.
I am HIV positive and on medication. My consultant always tells me that my HIV is undetectable now.
I am planing to go for a holiday to a country where they do a HIV test while entering the airport. Will they know I am positive if I am on medication and my HIV is undetectable?
Answer
Hello,
Thank-you for your question. It is great to hear that you are doing so well on treatment. Having an undetectable viral load is a good indication that the treatment is working well.
Although your viral load is undetectable an HIV test will still show that you are HIV positive. This is because most HIV tests show the body’s response to HIV, rather than the amount of HIV in your system. For more information about how HIV tests work please look at our Testing and Transmission guide at this link.
I am concerned that think you would be tested at the airport when going on holiday. I do not know of any country where this would be done for tourists. If you are worried you can contact the embassy of the country you are visiting. It is very unlikely that all tourists to any country would be tested for HIV on arrival.
Comment