HIV Myth vs. Fact: Viral Load
I can’t get HIV if my sex partner has an undetectable viral load.
You may have heard the phrase "undetectable equals untransmittable," or "U=U." That means that if an HIV-positive partner has an undetectable (also called "suppressed") viral load, they won't transmit the virus to an HIV-negative partner, even if the HIV-negative partner is exposed to bodily fluids during sex. But, in order to stay undetectable, the HIV-positive partner must take their HIV medication exactly as prescribed, without missing a dose. Interruptions may cause the viral load to increase and become able to be transmitted.
You may have heard the phrase “undetectable equals untransmittable,” or “U=U.” That means that if an HIV-positive partner has an undetectable (also called “suppressed”) viral load, they won’t transmit the virus to an HIV-negative partner, even if the HIV-negative partner is exposed to bodily fluids during sex. But, in order to stay undetectable, the HIV-positive partner must take their HIV medication exactly as prescribed, without missing a dose. Interruptions may cause the viral load to increase and become able to be transmitted.