UNDERSTANDING U=U

U=U is short for ‘Undetectable = Untransmittable’ (U=U). This means that a person with HIV who is on treatment and has a fully suppressed viral load has zero risk of sexually transmitting the virus to their partner. This relies on consistently taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) and maintaining an undetectable level of HIV in the blood. It is a powerful public health message that helps reduce stigma and fear surrounding HIV. 

Key aspects of U=U

• Undetectable viral load: This means the amount of HIV in the blood is too low to be detected by a standard test, typically below 200 copies/mL, but often much lower.

• HIV treatment: Effective ART prevents the virus from replicating, which lowers the viral load to undetectable levels.

• Zero risk of transmission: When the viral load is suppressed, there is virtually no virus in sexual fluids, and therefore, no risk of sexual transmission of HIV to a negative partner.

• Scientific consensus: U=U is supported by numerous studies and endorsed by major health organizations worldwide, including the British HIV Association (BHIVA), the International AIDS Society (IAS), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Important considerations

• Consistency is key: This protection requires consistently taking medication as prescribed. While missing a dose occasionally won't change the status, regularly missing doses can cause the viral load to become detectable again.

• Other STIs and pregnancy: U=U does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or prevent pregnancy, so other prevention methods, such as condoms and regular STI screenings, are still recommended.

• Sustained undetectable level: It typically takes 3 to 6 months of consistent ART for the viral load to become undetectable.

Find out more -> Visit the aidsmap website