Question
How do I know my viral load is coming down in the first week?
1 January 2026. Related: Adherence, All topics, CD4 and viral load, Starting treatment.
How do I know my viral load is coming down in first week? I am in the UK.
Answer
Hi there
Thanks – this is a good question.
Results from thousands of different HIV studies have shown that HIV meds start to work with the very first dose. Viral load usually then falls quickest during the first week or two and by the first month the majority of people on modern HIV meds are undetectable after four weeks.
You can only know this for certain by taking viral load tests over this time.
This isn’t needed though because in the UK you will also have been tested for drug resistance to check that the meds will work.
In the UK, having a viral load test 4-6 weeks after starting treatment is the best time to see how well they are working.
Comment