Undetectable Equals Untransmittable

Did you know that having an undetectable viral load on HIV treatment, called Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) stops HIV transmission?

How does HIV treatment prevent HIV Transmission?

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is not only good for your health – it also protects your partners. While ART does not cure HIV or remove the virus from the body, when taken every day as prescribed, it stops the virus from multiplying. This prevents the virus from damaging the immune system and stops HIV transmission to others.

What does undetectable mean?

Undetectable means that the level of HIV in a person's blood is so low that it doesn't show up on a viral load test. If a person is undetectable, HIV can still be hiding in their body, but the amount is so low that HIV cannot be passed to others through sex.

What does it take to become undetectable?

• Taking ART every day as prescribed by your doctor.
• Having undetectable viral load for at least 6 months.
• Continuing to take your meds every day.

If I am HIV negative, should I avoid having sex with people who have HIV?

Having sex with someone who has HIV but is on treatment and is undetectable is much safer than having sex with someone who has HIV but is not on treatment or doesn't know their status. Someone who is newly infected with HIV will have a high viral load which makes the risk of transmission higher when having condomless sex with their partners.

If my partner tells me they have an undetectable viral load, should we still use condoms?

Having an undetectable viral load prevents HIV transmission but does not protect against other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Condoms protect against HIV, other STDs, and unintended pregnancy. If you are unsure about whether your partner is undetectable, consider using condoms and/or taking daily PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to protect against HIV. To learn about PrEP, speak to your doctor or visit AIDS Free Pittsburgh. You should never feel pressured to have sex without condoms.

What if someone with HIV misses their meds?

Missing your meds once will not change U=U. However, missing meds for 2-3 days might be enough with some combinations for viral load to become detectable. Taking medication daily and as directed is essential for U=U.

If I am on HIV Treatment, should my partner be on PrEP?

Couples share the responsibility of preventing HIV. HIV positive people and their partners should discuss how they can have a healthy, fulfilling, and worry-free sex life by using condoms, HIV treatment, PrEP, or emergency PEP (Post exposure prophylaxis). HIV negative partners may want to consider using PrEP, especially if they have other sexual partners; are unsure of their partners HIV status; are unsure of their partner's ability to keep their viral load undetectable; or feel more secure in their sex lives with the added protection of PrEP. But remember, PrEP does not protect against other STDs.

What else can I do to prevent getting or passing HIV and other STDs?

Be sure to get tested for HIV and other STDs annually and consider more frequent testing if you have new or multiple partners. A positive test is an opportunity to treat HIV, stay healthy, and prevent transmission to others (U=U). A negative test gives you the chance to discuss ways to stay negative like using condoms, taking daily PrEP, or emergency PEP. Most people with an STD will not have visible symptoms. Having an STD increases your chances of getting HIV and can increase an HIV positive persons viral load. Testing and treatment play an important role in keeping you and your partners healthy.