When a person living with HIV is taking HIV medication as prescribed, the HIV in their blood reduces to undetectable levels. This is called an 'undetectable viral load' (UVL).
Having a UVL does not mean the person is cured of HIV, but they will experience greatly improved health outcomes and, after 6 months or more of a UVL, they cannot transmit HIV to a partner who is HIV-negative.
This is referred to as 'undetectable equals untransmissible' or 'U=U'. It is also called 'treatment as prevention'.
U=U means there is zero risk of sexual transmission of HIV from someone on HIV treatment with an undetectable viral load.
U=U has been confirmed by all the available research on the topic over the past 10 years, and endorsed by major health and scientific bodies including the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM), Health Equity Matters, and the National Association of People Living With HIV Australia (NAPWHA).Meridian has also endorsed this position.
For more information about U=U, visit U=U: ASHM guidance for healthcare professionals | ASHM Health
The implications of U=U are highly significant.
For people living with HIV
For many years, living with HIV has carried stigma, mainly because the person was perceived as a risk to others. Understanding U=U can greatly reduce anxiety about HIV transmission. It can empower people with HIV to be comfortable and confident to pursue a fulfilling sex life and secure relationships.
Find out more at The Institute of Many.
For HIV-negative people
U=U removes the risk of HIV transmission from people living with HIV when they are using their treatment as prescribed and have a UVL.
U=U doesn’t protect you from for other STIs, so continue to use safer sex methods when you don’t know someone’s STI status.