Viral Suppression & U=U
Achieving an undetectable viral load means you cannot transmit HIV through sex. Learn about U=U.
Achieving an undetectable viral load means you cannot transmit HIV through sex. Learn about U=U.
People living with HIV who take their medication as prescribed and achieve an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners.
An undetectable viral load means the amount of HIV in the blood is so low that a standard lab test cannot detect it. This is typically defined as fewer than 200 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood, though many labs use a threshold of 20–50 copies/mL.
The U=U consensus is based on three large clinical studies: HPTN 052, PARTNER, and Opposites Attract. These studies followed thousands of serodiscordant couples and found zero cases of HIV transmission when the HIV-positive partner had an undetectable viral load.
The key to achieving and maintaining an undetectable viral load is taking HIV medication (ART) every day as prescribed. Most people achieve an undetectable viral load within 3–6 months of starting treatment.
U=U applies specifically to sexual transmission. Condoms and other prevention methods are still recommended to protect against other STIs. For people who inject drugs, an undetectable viral load reduces but may not eliminate the risk of HIV transmission through shared needles.
Learn more at Prevention Access Campaign and CDC: HIV Treatment as Prevention.