Question
Why is important to get my viral load undetectable?
3 March 2006. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Resistance, Starting treatment.
Answer
Most people who get their viral load to less than 50 copies/mL, AND who continue to take every dose at the right time, will be able to use the same treatment for many years – perhaps 10-20 years. If your viral load stays detectable when using HIV drugs then you are very likely to develop resistance to those drugs and they will only last for a short time – perhaps only a few months.
This is why one of the main goals when starting treatment is to get viral load to below 50 copies/mL.
(Adapted from a question from the i-Base Q&A pages of the African Eye a new treatment publication for African communities affected by HIV who are living in the UK)
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