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.
I tested positive in 2018 I was pregnant at the time… my partner was negative. I was not taking my treatment but my viral load dropped during my pregnancy till I delivered. My baby came out negative. How possible is this and I have never infected anyone. I gain weight and am very much healthy I rarely get sick. I was told the secret is not stressing and eating well.
Hi Tee, night sweats does not mean transmission. As you have been on treatment the risk of transmission is little to none. Has your boyfriend done a test?
I’m hiv positive and I’ve been on ART for 2 years now and my boyfriend has been having night sweats have I infected him
Hi i just tested positive recently 1 momth back so my viral load is 40-10.000.00 copies so my boyfriend tested negative last month buthis sweating a lot at nite could thise mean i infected him
Hi Kate, no this does not mean you have passed on HIV. Since testing positive have you been using condoms for sex? As your boyfriend has recently tested negative it is unlikely for him to now be positive.
have you noticed any other symptoms e.g., unintentional weight loss or fevers? If he continues to have these night sweats or you notice other symptoms he should speak to his doctor.
Hi Raj, I am sorry bit I don’t understand your question. I only speak English and some of these words look like an Indian language. Please maybe use Google translate to send the question again. thanks,
naku HIV positive telisindi without treatment my cd4 count 509 viral load undetectable nenu na wife tho padukonte hiv vasthunda my health is no problem
Hi Bayanada, if you have tested HIV negative without recent exposure you are HIV negative. HIV cannot be undetectable in the body without testing positive for antibodies. Have you spoken to a doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing?
I think I might be loosing weight consistently but I tested negative for hiv
My symptoms :sore throat, extreme weight loss ,fatigue pain in the stomach , lost of hair and ichy body when my temp rises .so what does this mean its been a year I haven’t sleep with anyone ? Can hiv lie undetectable for 12 months without treatment ?because if it’s not hiv what is the cause of all this symptoms ??
Hi Shannon, did you test any other time between 03 and 2018? and what/where was the test you had in 03?
HIV is not something that goes away. Testing positive means you will always test positive.
What tests have you used most recently? There are some tests that are only suitable in the first few weeks and after that they are not accurate.
Please follow this link for more information about testing and transmission: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing