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 Lee,
If your viral load is 68 without being on medication, this would imply that you’re an elite controller. Please see the above post. Even if you are en elite controller, you should be on ARVs, this is because the World Health Organisation now recommend that everyone should be on medication. However, it is up to you if you want to use medication.
Tested hiv positive 4+years ago. Recently checked my CD4 count and viral load. Results were CD4 count 489 and viral load 69. Am not on treatment yet. Why is my viral load so low? Do I need to commence treatment?
Hi Jay,
Here in the UK, guidelines say you can begin ART whenever you are ready. And the START study showed that HIV treatment has important benefits for your health, even if your CD4 count is still high.
Please see more at this link to How soon do I need to start?
And here’s an introduction to ART for a lot more info.
My absolute CD4 count is 483 and viral load 5189 copies/ ml. Do I need to start ART?
Hi Maron,
Sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis.
But modern treatment for HIV (ART) is safe and easier to take than earlier meds. Many of us can now have a similar life expectancy to someone who is HIV negative. Taking ART and having an undetectable viral load is the way to do this.
Gammora does not cure HIV. Please see this Q&A.
Hi, I just tested positive to hiv..
I accepted this but I want to do all I can to get rid of it.
I want to have an undetectable viral load or be cured completely.
I heard of the gommora cure for hiv product… The internet says it does not cure but It can clear up to 99 pdercent.
Can I use this?
Hi Lihle,
Please can you tell us a bit more? What ARVs are you taking and how long have you been taking them? Please also let us know your CD4 count and viral load.
But what does the doctor say about your viral load.
If you live in South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign at this link if you think you’re not accessing the right HIV treatment.
I’m positive taking ARVs but my viral load is still there.i want my result said undectacted..I take my treatment every day.what make that’s.
Hi Hector.
It’s great to hear that you’ve decided not to quit ART and that you want to concentrate on your health.
Thank you Roy
I am just going to move on with my question about who was first, you are right there are too many factors unknown.
Thank you for the link.
So far I decided I won’t stop my ART. I just want to concentrate to take care of my health and increase my CD4’s