Question
Why is my viral load undetectable without treatment?
11 March 2014. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Hello I tested positive twice and both times my viral load is undetectable before starting any ARVs.
Is that possible? And what does that mean?
Thank you
Answer
Hi,
Thanks for your email. It is very unusual to have an undetectable viral load without treatment, but a very small proportion of HIV positive people, known as elite controllers, have undetectable viral loads less than 50 copies/mL for years without treatment. This is very rare and only about 1-in-300 HIV positive people are elite controllers.
It is important to continue to have your viral load monitored, and also to check your CD4 count. The CD4 count measures how strong your immune system is- have you had this test done?
If your CD4 count is high, and your viral load remains undetectable it is unlikely you will need to take ARVs at this time, but it is important to keep being monitored for any changes.
Hi unknown, thanks for sharing your experience and I hope you are doing well.
Several studies have shown that it is better for everyone to be taking HIV meds. This is because even if you are feeling well, HIV will steadily be reducing your immune system. It also casues your body to be over-activating and this can increase the risk of other complications.
So long as your CD4 count is still higher than 500, this risk of other events is relatively low, if you really don’t want to take HIV meds.
Continuing to monitor your CD4 count and viral load is very important though so that you can start treatment if this results change.