Question
Is a viral load of 40 OK?
1 February 2018. Related: All topics.
I’m pregnant, and on medication. My viral load is 40, what can I do to make it lower?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
A viral load of 40 is excellent. This means that you’re undetectable, and that you can’t transmit HIV through sexual intercourse. It also means that there will be less risk to your baby.
You’re already doing the best thing possible by being on ARVs and adhering to them.
Hello Rodburke and thanks for getting in touch.
Getting to undetectable means that your medication is working very well.
Taking medication daily will ensure you remain healthy and can lead a full and active life.
Maintaining an undetectable viral load, by taking your medication daily, also means you cannot pass it on so you can enjoy sex and have HIV-free kids.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a cure for HIV yet, so even though the medication is working so well if you stop them then your virus will rebound and become active again.
If your viral load test shows that there is nothing detectable are you cured or not?
Dear Ntombifuthi, so long as your viral load is undetectable then you cannot transmit HIV – with or without a condom. Most people who taqke their meds carefully become undetectable within 3 months. Waiting until you have a viral load test is still recommended though even though it is likely to be this low.
Can you transmit HIV while being on treatment for 5 months?
Hello Ntando and thank you for the question.
30 copies is a great result – anything under 50 copies is great.
Well done. You are undetectable.
Please read more about U=U here: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
Please let us know if you need more information
Hi
I got my results today and it is 30 copies it is good or bad
Hi Jackson, no you cannot. When you have a viral load below 200 it is not possible to pass on HIV via sex. This is explained by U=U: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
If your viral load is at 30 can you pass it