Question
My husband’s viral load has been going up and is at 100. Is this treatment failure?
5 August 2014. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
My husband has HIV and was undetectable. It went up to 20 and then 40 and three months later to 100. Is this a sign of treatment failure?
Answer
Hi,
In the UK a doctor would not be concerned about this increase in viral load.
Although the numbers may look worrying the rise does not consistent with treatment failure. US treatment guidelines define virological failure as a viral load over 200. They go on to say that ‘blips’ are not uncommon (these are defined as below 400). Blips can be caused by other infections (like the flu) or by test errors.
It would probably be a good idea for your husband to have another viral load test to check his most recent result.
You can find the information that i’ve referred too on page C-5 of the U.S. treatment guidelines.
You can also find more information about ‘blips’ in our changing treatment guide.
Hi Kings, as you are undetectable there is no risk of transmission from yourself. Low platelets can be caused by a number of things and it is good that her doctor is wanting to investigate.
Goodmorning, my wife’s platelets are down to 100 and the doctor want hiv test and I am undetectable for year’s now can it mean that she’s infected and but she suffers from PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Hi James,
Thanks for this comment. I think to sum it up you’re saying look after yourself and talk to your doctors in detail about your treatment. This way you can work out what’s best for you as an individual. Some people may choose to do things a bit differently from you. But to read, learn and fight the virus sounds great.
Since my diagnosis, I’ve been from 100vl to 300vl, to undetectable. Dont look so much at your numbers as they change. Look for the absolute cd4% as it gives a more precise look at how your immune system is doing. Get a antiretroviral sensitivity test to make sure you are responsive to meds. Look into antioxidants and and immune boosters like alpha lipoic acid and xananathan. HIV is destructive and oxidative. Watch your inflammation as replication is boosted when it is present. Do not smoke, and take care of your kidneys and liver. Meds are processed there and they need to be in top shape. Do not take your multivitamins within 6 hours of your meds. Sometimes things like magnesium, pill additives, or vitamins themselves compete for absorption. Like in my case, I separated the time I supplement and the numbers got better. Culprit, magnesium stearate, calcium salts. They are still doing many studies as all interactions are not listed or may be known. So if undetectable and now not, look closely if anything in your habits, food, or otherwise you’ve changed. Or, if it is to be taken with food like my genvoya, it also states to eat it with 300 calories and a healthy fat. Taking a 1 a day? Look at the meds separate. Each one has a function. Take care of your body, if you do not, it will be too damaged for treatment. Good luck everyone. Read, learn and fight the virus.
Hi Leslie,
Sometimes a small viral bounce can be just a blip. But if your viral load stays above 50 you should have another test to check that treatment is still working and there isn’t viral rebound. You can read more about blips and viral rebound here.
The Partner study defined undetectable at below 200 not 50. And there were no transmissions after sex without condoms more than 58,000 times. But it’s a good idea to go to the doctor and test for viral load again.
Hi.I am on atrozia and my viral load went from undetectable to 400 and is now 100.Is a viral load of 100 considered low and what are the stats on transmission with a viral load of 100.
Hi Bongo,
Its not possible to know at this stage if your son with be negative or not, this is why its important to have him tested, and why he should be given meds. For more info, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/hiv-negative
my vl is 100 and i just gave birth to a baby boy.Is it possible for him to be affected?
Hi Zoliswa,
Are you adhering to your meds?
Its very possible that this is a mistake. Therefore, you should ask to have it retested.
Am worried, my viral load is 100 from 62 is there anything wrong with me?