Question

What is the deal with reinfection (of HIV)?

14 May 2009. Related: Adherence, All topics, HIV reinfection (superinfection), HIV transmission, Resistance.

What is the deal with reinfection (with HIV)?

We are both poz and on the same treatment (Sustiva) and don’t really play away.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

The deal is:

1) it happens and, like infection, the risk is related to viral load

2) the main implication for someone’s health is if the new infection is drug resistant

3) if neither of you have resistance, are both on the same meds, and both are adherent then the risk is low and the consequences if it occurs are likely to be minimal.

4) These risks increase if your circumstances change – ie if you play away and catch HIV or any other STIs outside your relationship.

If you search the Q&A section for reinfection, there are more detailed discussions in many of these earlier answers.