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Treatment aims to reduce a person’s viral load to undetectable levels."/><meta name="keywords" content="HIV viral load"/><meta name="k1" content="hivaids"/><meta name="k2" content="infectious"/><meta name="ROBOTS" content="NOODP"/><meta name="sailthru.image.thumb" content="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/viral_load_GettyImages932738286_Thumb.jpg"/><meta name="sailthru.tags" content="cat_blood,cat_hiv-aids,cat_infectious_diseases,cat_sexual-health,k1_hivaids,k2_infectious"/><meta name="article:published_time" content="2018-11-30T00:00:00.000Z"/><meta name="article:author" content="Jenna Fletcher"/><meta property="og:title" content="HIV viral load: What it means, detection, and CD4 levels"/><meta property="og:description" content="Viral load refers the amount of HIV in a person's blood. Treatment aims to reduce a person’s viral load to undetectable levels."/><meta property="og:type" content="article"/><meta property="og:url" content="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323851"/><meta name="twitter:title" content="HIV viral load: What it means, detection, and CD4 levels"/><meta name="twitter:description" content="Viral load refers the amount of HIV in a person's blood. 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css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span> Updated on February 27, 2024</span></a></div></section></div><div><nav class="css-wp9hsz" id="tab-bar-0" data-testid="tab-bar"><ul class="css-wy0i0w"><li class="css-gc7rbi"><a href="#what-it-is" class="css-1qfr3bt">What it is</a></li><li class="css-gc7rbi"><a href="#when-to-get-tested" class="css-1qfr3bt">When to get tested</a></li><li class="css-gc7rbi"><a href="#how-the-test-works" class="css-1qfr3bt">How the test works</a></li><li class="css-gc7rbi"><a href="#results" class="css-1qfr3bt">Results</a></li><li class="css-gc7rbi"><a href="#cd-4-count" class="css-1qfr3bt">CD4 count</a></li><li class="css-gc7rbi"><a href="#summary" class="css-1qfr3bt">Summary</a></li></ul></nav><article class="article-body css-d2znx6 undefined"><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-12va8w7"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><div><p class="css-4aeg3z">Viral load refers to the amount of HIV in a person’s blood. HIV treatments aim to reduce the viral load until the virus is no longer detectable, which means it is also untransmittable.</p></div></div><div><p>People who have had an undetectable viral load for at least 6 months cannot transmit HIV via sexual contact.</p></div><div><div data-preamp="serena-chatbot"></div></div><div><p>This article looks at what viral load means for people living with HIV and their partners, the links between viral load and CD4 levels, and how healthcare professionals test and monitor these levels.</p></div><div class="css-20w1gi"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-1sq15os"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline2__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline2__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1t05dkn"></div></div></div></aside></div></div><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="what-it-is">What is HIV viral load?</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><div><figure class="css-yhe8zq"><span class="css-rwmw5v"><span class="css-mjp0j9"><picture class="css-16pk1is"><source srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/viral_load_GettyImages932738286_Header-1024x575.jpg 750w" media="(min-width: 1190px)"/><source srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/viral_load_GettyImages932738286_Header-1024x575.jpg 750w" media="(min-width: 990px)"/><source srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/viral_load_GettyImages932738286_Header-1024x575.jpg 879w" media="(min-width: 768px)"/><img src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/viral_load_GettyImages932738286_Header-1024x575.jpg" alt="Centrifuge machine with vials of blood testing HIV viral load." class="css-1jytyml"/></picture></span><hl-share-overlay class="css-1mqo1cs"><a class="css-90fpmc icon-hl-pinterest css-by55vd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" data-event="Any Page|Image Pinterest Click|Icon Clicked" data-element-event="OPEN|CONTENTBLOCK|Any Page|Article Body|BUTTON|Image Widget Pinterest Click|" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F323851&media=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.post.rvohealth.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2024%2F02%2Fviral_load_GettyImages932738286_Header-1024x575.jpg&description=HIV%20viral%20load%3A%20What%20it%20means%2C%20detection%2C%20and%20CD4%20levels" title="Share on Pinterest" data-pin-custom="true" data-share-url="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/viral_load_GettyImages932738286_Header-1024x575.jpg"><span class="css-z1zfa">Share on Pinterest</span></a></hl-share-overlay></span><figcaption class="css-13b3g0x">KTSDESIGN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images</figcaption></figure></div></div><div><p>Viral load is the amount of <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/17131" class="content-link css-90fpmc">HIV</a> in a person’s blood. </p></div><div><p>When a person contracts HIV, the virus replicates in their blood. The more copies of the virus there are, the higher a person’s viral load will be.</p></div><div><p>If the blood contains a high number of HIV copies, it suggests that other bodily fluids, such as vaginal fluid and semen, also contain a high number.</p></div><div><p>Health professionals measure HIV viral load in copies per milliliter of blood (copies/ml). They can use this measurement to check the status of HIV after diagnosis and then to monitor the progress of HIV treatments.</p></div><div><p>The main aim of HIV treatments is to reduce the viral load to the point where there are so few copies of the virus left that it is undetectable in the blood.</p></div><div><p><a href="http://v" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Learn more about an HIV viral load.</a></p></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="when-to-get-tested">When should people get a viral load test?</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>A health professional will usually test a person’s viral load when they first diagnose HIV. People with HIV will also require repeat viral load tests throughout their lives to monitor the condition. They should undergo testing once <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/provider-visits-and-lab-test/seeing-your-health-care-provider" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">every 6 months</a> and possibly more often during the first 1–2 years of treatment.</p></div><div><p>A person should also get a test after any alteration in their medication or if their symptoms change. If a test reveals that the viral load is increasing, a healthcare professional may need to adjust their treatment.</p></div><div><p>Learn more about an <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323874" class="content-link css-90fpmc">undetectable viral load, tests, and treatment</a>.</p></div><div class="css-umsscj"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-10gx9pb"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline7__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline7__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1l7cd95"></div></div></div></aside></div></div><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="how-the-test-works">How do doctor test viral load?</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>Healthcare professionals can test HIV viral load using a simple blood test. No preparation is necessary.</p></div><div><p>During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood and send the sample to the labs to test the viral load and CD4 count. CD4 cells are a type of immune cell that HIV attacks.</p></div><div><p>Once the results are back, the doctor may call to discuss them.</p></div><div><p><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-hiv-tests" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Learn about HIV tests.</a></p></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="results">What do the results mean?</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>Below is a summary of what the viral load blood test results may mean. The levels will vary based on the stage of the condition and the stage of treatment.</p></div><div><h3>Detectable viral load</h3></div><div><p>When healthcare professionals see detectable levels of HIV in a viral load test, it may help them guide treatment. A person’s viral load may be high if they have not yet received any treatment, if they stop taking their medication as per instructions, or if the virus develops resistance to medications.</p></div><div><p>People can also experience <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://preventionaccess.org/faq/" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">small rises</a> in viral load during treatment. This is known as a viral blip. These small increases usually resolve on their own as a person continues their medication.</p></div><div><p>However, if the viral load continues to increase or tests continue showing frequent blips, this may require further investigation.</p></div><div><p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/signs-hiv-treatment-stops-working" class="content-link css-90fpmc">signs that HIV treatment is not working</a>.</p></div><div><h3>Undetectable viral load</h3></div><div><p>After starting <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324013" class="content-link css-90fpmc">antiretroviral therapy (ART)</a>, a person’s HIV viral load tests may come back with low numbers. When this occurs, the treatment is working, and HIV is no longer progressing.</p></div><div><p>The lower the viral load, the lower the risk of transmitting the virus to others. <hl-trusted-source source="JAMA" rationale="Highly respected journal,Expert written journal,Peer reviewed journal"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2533066" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Large-scale research</a></hl-trusted-source> has shown that when HIV is undetectable, it is virtually untransmittable through sex, even without a condom. This concept is known as <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hiv-u-equals-u-faqs" class="content-link css-90fpmc">U=U</a>, which stands for undetectable = untransmittable.</p></div><div><p>Having an undetectable viral load for <hl-trusted-source source="National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases " rationale="Governmental authority"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/10-things-know-about-hiv-suppression" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">at least 6 months</a></hl-trusted-source> means that a person has effectively zero risk of sexually transmitting the virus to an HIV-negative partner.</p></div><div><p>Transmission via pregnancy and childbirth, breastfeeding, or sharing syringes may still be possible, but the risk is substantially less.</p></div><div><p>Many tests define an undetectable viral load as less than <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://preventionaccess.org/faq/" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">40 copies/mL</a> in the blood, but different laboratories may have different thresholds. The test results may say: target not detected, ND, or negative. </p></div><div><p>Most people who start ART reach an undetectable viral load in <hl-trusted-source source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/art/evidence-of-hiv-treatment.html" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">6 months</a></hl-trusted-source>. In around 1 in 6 people, it will take longer to find the right treatment because of their tolerance or adherence to the regimen.</p></div><div><p><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323874" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Learn more about an undetectable viral load.</a></p></div><div id="hl-incontent-video-ad" data-adbridg-ad-class="hl-incontent" class="css-pp6cpn"></div><div id="div-gpt-ad-out-of-page"></div></div><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="cd-4-count">Viral load and CD4 count</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>When someone contracts HIV, the virus begins to take over specific cells in the immune system, known as <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cd4-count" class="content-link css-90fpmc">CD4 cells</a>.</p></div><div><p>When the CD4 cells replicate, the HIV cells inside them also replicate. HIV hijacks the cellular machinery of CD4 cells to reproduce and shed more HIV, which means the viral load increases.</p></div><div><p>As the HIV viral load increases, the number of healthy CD4 cells decreases as they die, creating HIV copies. This puts a person at higher risk of infections.</p></div><div><p>Treatment aims to lower viral load, allowing the immune system to rebuild a healthy CD4 count. The number of CD4 cells in the person’s body will increase as their viral load falls. A higher CD4 count means the immune system is better able to fight infections.</p></div><div><p><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cd4-t-cells" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Learn more about CD4 cells.</a></p></div><div><div id="widget_call_out_c5bd4d66-9b65-4ad8-a1d9-8fbc70eb469f" class="css-jyr0cb"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div class="css-11m4ja7"><div class="css-xqvouu"><h3 class="css-b9vh1e">HIV and AIDS resources</h3><div class="css-1hpp2pt"><p class="standout--body">For more in-depth information and resources on HIV and AIDS, visit our <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/hiv-and-aids" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">dedicated hub</a>.</p></div></div></div><div class="css-1uwjw6e"><div></div><div></div></div></div></div><div class="css-umsscj"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-10gx9pb"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline14__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline14__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1l7cd95"></div></div></div></aside></div></div><div data-testid="tabbed-article-section" class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="summary">Summary</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>HIV viral load refers to the amount of HIV present in a person’s blood. Higher numbers typically indicate that they have not yet received HIV treatment or that their treatment is not currently working. </p></div><div><p>A low viral load may mean treatment is working. When the viral load is undetectable for at least 6 months, it is untransmittable via sex.</p></div><div><p>However, HIV is a chronic condition. While the virus can become undetectable, some copies remain in the blood. People must continue to take their HIV medication as prescribed to keep their viral load undetectable.</p></div><div><p>With effective management, people living with HIV can experience the same quality of life as a person without HIV.</p></div></div></article><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><p data-testid="last-medically-reviewed" class="css-1kir5of"><span> </span></p><div class="css-5b5f7q"><ul><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Blood / Hematology" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/blood">Blood / Hematology</a></li><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|HIV and AIDS" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/hiv-aids">HIV and AIDS</a></li><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/infectious_diseases">Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses</a></li><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Sexual Health / STDs" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/sexual-health">Sexual Health / STDs</a></li></ul></div><div><div class="css-140fa3i"><div class="css-15lc7zf"><h3 id="bylineArticleTools">How we reviewed this article:</h3><div class="css-1g9ioi4"><button type="button" class="css-kxscys"><div class="css-rre5oz"><span class="css-1d75hb8"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 20 20"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M0 10C0 4.477 4.477 0 10 0s10 4.477 10 10-4.477 10-10 10S0 15.523 0 10Zm18.5 0a8.5 8.5 0 1 0-17 0 8.5 8.5 0 0 0 17 0ZM10 4c-.823 0-1.5.677-1.5 1.518C8.5 6.323 9.177 7 10 7c.841 0 1.5-.677 1.5-1.482A1.5 1.5 0 0 0 10 4Zm0 4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1 1V15a1 1 0 1 1-2 0V9.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1Z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></span><span>Sources</span></div></button></div><div class="css-une8nx"><div class="css-1xn3edc css-1rkrrlx"><div id="article-resources" role="region" class="css-1ugaz02"><div class="css-0">Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our <a class="css-90fpmc" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/process">editorial policy</a>.</div><ul class="css-1vedeqe"><li class="css-1ti7iub"><cite><span>10 things to know about HIV suppression. (2024).</span><br/><a class="css-90fpmc css-1ivue52" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/10-things-know-about-hiv-suppression">https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/10-things-know-about-hiv-suppression</a></cite></li><li class="css-1ti7iub"><cite><span>Frequently asked questions. (n.d.).</span><br/><a class="css-90fpmc css-1ivue52" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.preventionaccess.org/faq">https://www.preventionaccess.org/faq</a></cite></li><li class="css-1ti7iub"><cite><span>HIV. (2024).</span><br/><a class="css-90fpmc css-1ivue52" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/default.html">https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/default.html</a></cite></li><li class="css-1ti7iub"><cite><span>Rodger AJ, et al. (2016). Sexual activity without condoms and risk of HIV transmission in serodifferent couples when the HIV-positive partner is using suppressive antiretroviral therapy.</span><br/><a class="css-90fpmc css-1ivue52" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2533066">https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2533066</a></cite></li><li class="css-1ti7iub"><cite><span>Seeing your healthcare provider. (2022).</span><br/><a class="css-90fpmc css-1ivue52" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/provider-visits-and-lab-test/seeing-your-health-care-provider/">https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/provider-visits-and-lab-test/seeing-your-health-care-provider/</a></cite></li><li class="css-1ti7iub"><cite><span>What to start: Choosing an HIV treatment regimen. (2018). </span><br/><a class="css-90fpmc css-1ivue52" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/what-start-choosing-hiv-treatment-regimen">https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/what-start-choosing-hiv-treatment-regimen</a></cite></li></ul></div></div></div></div><div class="css-2wv3mf" data-testid="share-tools"><p>Share this article</p><div class="css-14uyzrw"><div class="button-wrapper print"><a class="css-xqmvw1 print button icon icon-hl-print" target="_blank" title="Print this page"></a></div><div class="button-wrapper email"><a class="css-xqmvw1 email button icon icon-hl-email" target="_blank" title="Email this page"></a></div><div class="button-wrapper facebook"><a class="css-xqmvw1 facebook button icon icon-hl-facebook" 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css-10ib5jr"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-z468a2"><h3 class="css-107m7zl">Related Coverage</h3></div><section class="css-17lceqi"></section></div></div><ul class="css-1l95nvm"><li class="css-b26b7j"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-z468a2 css-w8u3o4"><div class="css-k3xa71"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1pvwan1"><a class="css-xqmvw1" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/324321;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|1" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How long can a person live with HIV?|rn0" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324321?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="How long can a person live with HIV?" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/324321_1100.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/324321_1100.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-u8uhak"><a class="css-xqmvw1 css-i4o77u" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/324321;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|1" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How long can a person live with HIV?|rn0" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324321?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">How long can a person live with HIV?</a><p><a class="css-2fdibo css-v34bze" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/324321;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|1" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How long can a person live with HIV?|rn0" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324321?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">With consistent treatment, the life expectancy for people living with HIV is much higher than it used to be. Learn more here.</a></p><a class="css-90fpmc css-1mj85ht" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/324321;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|1" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How long can a person live with HIV?|rn0" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324321?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right css-1bisyf5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-17lceqi css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-b26b7j"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-z468a2 css-w8u3o4"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><section class="css-17lceqi css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-b26b7j"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-z468a2 css-w8u3o4"><div class="css-k3xa71"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1pvwan1"><a class="css-xqmvw1" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/315928;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What are the early signs and symptoms of HIV?|rn1" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315928?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="What are the early signs and symptoms of HIV?" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/02/hiv-early-signs-collage-thumb.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/02/hiv-early-signs-collage-thumb.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-u8uhak"><a class="css-xqmvw1 css-i4o77u" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/315928;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What are the early signs and symptoms of HIV?|rn1" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315928?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">What are the early signs and symptoms of HIV?</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-ni3p9e"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-1edxg1f"><lazy-image alt="" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/01/AV-scaled.jpeg"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/reviewers">Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP</a></span></span></div></section><p><a class="css-2fdibo css-v34bze" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/315928;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What are the early signs and symptoms of HIV?|rn1" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315928?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">With an early diagnosis, effective treatment for HIV is available. Find out how to recognize the early signs of HIV and what to do if they appear. </a></p><a class="css-90fpmc css-1mj85ht" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/315928;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What are the early signs and symptoms of HIV?|rn1" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315928?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right css-1bisyf5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-17lceqi css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-b26b7j"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-z468a2 css-w8u3o4"><div class="css-k3xa71"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1pvwan1"><a class="css-xqmvw1" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/323860;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What types of pain can HIV cause?|rn2" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323860?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="What types of pain can HIV cause?" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/GettyImages-700740609-thumbnail.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/GettyImages-700740609-thumbnail.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-u8uhak"><a class="css-xqmvw1 css-i4o77u" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/323860;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What types of pain can HIV cause?|rn2" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323860?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">What types of pain can HIV cause?</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-ni3p9e"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-1edxg1f"><lazy-image alt="" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/01/AV-scaled.jpeg"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/reviewers">Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP</a></span></span></div></section><p><a class="css-2fdibo css-v34bze" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/323860;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What types of pain can HIV cause?|rn2" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323860?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Pain is common in people with HIV and may include headaches, joint pain, and cramps. 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As a mother of one stillborn twin, she has a…"]}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":5474,"name":{"display":"Michaela Murphy, PA-C","first":"Michaela","last":"Murphy, PA-C"},"userLogin":"mmurphy","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/reviewers/michaela-murphy-pa-c","type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eMichaela Murphy is a nationally certified physician assistant with 15 years of experience in infectious disease, primary and urgent care, and women’s health. 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",{"tagName":"a","attributes":{"href":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/ad-policy","className":"content-link css-90fpmc"},"source":"Learn more"}],"rightRailWidget":[{"title":"What are the early signs and symptoms of HIV?","url":"/articles/315928","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/02/hiv-early-signs-collage-thumb.jpg"},{"title":"What types of pain can HIV cause?","url":"/articles/323860","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/GettyImages-700740609-thumbnail.jpg"},{"title":"Signs and symptoms of HIV in males","url":"/articles/common-hiv-symptoms-in-men","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/doctor-conversation-couple-732x549-thumbnail.jpg"}],"bottomRecommendedWidget":[{"url":"/articles/324321","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/324321_1100.jpg","thumbnailSizes":[1100,825],"title":"How long can a person live with HIV?","summary":"With consistent treatment, the life expectancy for people living with HIV is much higher than it used to be. Learn more here."},{"url":"/articles/315928","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/02/hiv-early-signs-collage-thumb.jpg","thumbnailSizes":[732,549],"title":"What are the early signs and symptoms of HIV?","summary":"With an early diagnosis, effective treatment for HIV is available. Find out how to recognize the early signs of HIV and what to do if they appear. ","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/01/AV-scaled.jpeg","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}}},{"url":"/articles/323860","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/GettyImages-700740609-thumbnail.jpg","thumbnailSizes":[732,549],"title":"What types of pain can HIV cause?","summary":"Pain is common in people with HIV and may include headaches, joint pain, and cramps. Medications and complementary therapies may help.","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/01/AV-scaled.jpeg","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}}}],"isSponsoredCPUV":true},"recommendedContent":"\u003cdiv class=\"css-1072e5h css-1p2cbqg\"\u003e\u003ch2 class=\"css-120r23d css-4gqu6l\"\u003eMore in \u003ca class=\"css-90fpmc css-loswtq\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/program/investigating-hiv\"\u003eInvestigating HIV\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cul data-testid=\"[object Object]-collection-ul\" class=\"css-1ynwxft\"\u003e\u003cli class=\"css-fihivb\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"css-xqmvw1 css-n98yn4\" data-event=\"Right Rail|Widget We Recommend|/articles/315928\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315928\" data-testid=\"thumbnail-link\" aria-label=\"What are the early signs and symptoms of HIV?\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-rwmw5v css-5f7251\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-rlaxw5\"\u003e\u003clazy-image alt=\"\" src=\"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/02/hiv-early-signs-collage-thumb.jpg\" className=\"css-1jytyml\"\u003e\u003c/lazy-image\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"css-bufxhs\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"css-xqmvw1 css-2nnb2j\" data-event=\"Right Rail|Widget We Recommend|/articles/315928\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315928\" data-testid=\"text-link\"\u003eWhat are the early signs and symptoms of HIV?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli class=\"css-fihivb\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"css-xqmvw1 css-n98yn4\" data-event=\"Right Rail|Widget We Recommend|/articles/323860\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323860\" data-testid=\"thumbnail-link\" aria-label=\"What types of pain can HIV cause?\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-rwmw5v css-5f7251\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-rlaxw5\"\u003e\u003clazy-image alt=\"\" src=\"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/GettyImages-700740609-thumbnail.jpg\" className=\"css-1jytyml\"\u003e\u003c/lazy-image\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"css-bufxhs\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"css-xqmvw1 css-2nnb2j\" data-event=\"Right Rail|Widget We Recommend|/articles/323860\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323860\" data-testid=\"text-link\"\u003eWhat types of pain can HIV cause?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli class=\"css-fihivb\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"css-xqmvw1 css-n98yn4\" data-event=\"Right Rail|Widget We Recommend|/articles/common-hiv-symptoms-in-men\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/common-hiv-symptoms-in-men\" data-testid=\"thumbnail-link\" aria-label=\"Signs and symptoms of HIV in males\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-rwmw5v css-5f7251\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-rlaxw5\"\u003e\u003clazy-image alt=\"\" src=\"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/doctor-conversation-couple-732x549-thumbnail.jpg\" className=\"css-1jytyml\"\u003e\u003c/lazy-image\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"css-bufxhs\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"css-xqmvw1 css-2nnb2j\" data-event=\"Right Rail|Widget We Recommend|/articles/common-hiv-symptoms-in-men\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/common-hiv-symptoms-in-men\" data-testid=\"text-link\"\u003eSigns and symptoms of HIV in males\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli class=\"css-vth7bd\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"css-90fpmc css-6dzgt3\" data-event=\"Right Rail|Widget We Recommend|/program/investigating-hiv\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/program/investigating-hiv\"\u003eView all\u003cspan class=\"icon-hl-circle-arrow 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dosage"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-descovy-side-effects","title":"Descovy side effects"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-descovy-cost","title":"Descovy cost"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-descovy-interactions","title":"Descovy interactions"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-descovy-for-prep","title":"Descovy for PrEP"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-symtuza-side-effects","title":"Symtuza side effects"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-symtuza-interactions","title":"Symtuza interactions"},{"url":"/articles/cdi-isentress-dosage","title":"Isentress dosage"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-efavirenz-emtricitabine-tenofovir-tablet-dosage","title":"Efavirenz dosage"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-stribild-side-effects","title":"Stribild side effects"},{"url":"/articles/stribild","title":"Etribild"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-stribild-interactions","title":"Stribild interactions"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-stribild-dosage","title":"Stribild dosage"},{"url":"/articles/mnt-investigates-hiv-care-in-black-and-latino-communities","title":"Inequities in HIV care"}]},"pathingTilesData":{},"pathingCardsData":{},"inArticlePathingCardsData":[],"quantitativeTrustData":{},"isPrependRecipeH2":false,"recipes":[],"hideTabs":false,"tabs":[{"id":"_noHeaderPrefixedContent","title":null,"header":null,"body":[{"tagName":"div","source":"\u003cp class=\"css-4aeg3z\"\u003eViral load refers to the amount of HIV in a person’s blood. HIV treatments aim to reduce the viral load until the virus is no longer detectable, which means it is also untransmittable.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"People who have had an undetectable viral load for at least 6 months cannot transmit HIV via sexual contact."},{"tagName":"div","attributes":{"data-preamp":"serena-chatbot"},"source":""},{"tagName":"p","source":"This article looks at what viral load means for people living with HIV and their partners, the links between viral load and CD4 levels, and how healthcare professionals test and monitor these levels."}]},{"id":"what-it-is","title":"What it is","isCollapsable":false,"header":["What is HIV viral load?"],"body":[{"tagName":"div","source":"\u003cfigure class=\"css-yhe8zq\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-rwmw5v\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-mjp0j9\"\u003e\u003cpicture class=\"css-16pk1is\"\u003e\u003csource srcSet=\"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/viral_load_GettyImages932738286_Header-1024x575.jpg 750w\" media=\"(min-width: 1190px)\"/\u003e\u003csource srcSet=\"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/viral_load_GettyImages932738286_Header-1024x575.jpg 750w\" media=\"(min-width: 990px)\"/\u003e\u003csource srcSet=\"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/viral_load_GettyImages932738286_Header-1024x575.jpg 879w\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"/\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/viral_load_GettyImages932738286_Header-1024x575.jpg\" alt=\"Centrifuge machine with vials of blood testing HIV viral load.\" class=\"css-1jytyml\"/\u003e\u003c/picture\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003chl-share-overlay class=\"css-1mqo1cs\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"css-90fpmc icon-hl-pinterest css-by55vd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" data-event=\"Any Page|Image Pinterest Click|Icon Clicked\" data-element-event=\"OPEN|CONTENTBLOCK|Any Page|Article Body|BUTTON|Image Widget Pinterest Click|\" href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F323851\u0026media=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.post.rvohealth.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2024%2F02%2Fviral_load_GettyImages932738286_Header-1024x575.jpg\u0026description=HIV%20viral%20load%3A%20What%20it%20means%2C%20detection%2C%20and%20CD4%20levels\" title=\"Share on Pinterest\" data-pin-custom=\"true\" data-share-url=\"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/viral_load_GettyImages932738286_Header-1024x575.jpg\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-z1zfa\"\u003eShare on Pinterest\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-share-overlay\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"css-13b3g0x\"\u003eKTSDESIGN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images\u003c/figcaption\u003e\u003c/figure\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Viral load is the amount of \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/17131\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eHIV\u003c/a\u003e in a person’s blood. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"When a person contracts HIV, the virus replicates in their blood. The more copies of the virus there are, the higher a person’s viral load will be."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If the blood contains a high number of HIV copies, it suggests that other bodily fluids, such as vaginal fluid and semen, also contain a high number."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Health professionals measure HIV viral load in copies per milliliter of blood (copies/ml). They can use this measurement to check the status of HIV after diagnosis and then to monitor the progress of HIV treatments."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The main aim of HIV treatments is to reduce the viral load to the point where there are so few copies of the virus left that it is undetectable in the blood."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"http://v\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eLearn more about an HIV viral load.\u003c/a\u003e"}]},{"id":"when-to-get-tested","title":"When to get tested","isCollapsable":false,"header":["When should people get a viral load test?"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"A health professional will usually test a person’s viral load when they first diagnose HIV. People with HIV will also require repeat viral load tests throughout their lives to monitor the condition. They should undergo testing once \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/provider-visits-and-lab-test/seeing-your-health-care-provider\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eevery 6 months\u003c/a\u003e and possibly more often during the first 1–2 years of treatment."},{"tagName":"p","source":"A person should also get a test after any alteration in their medication or if their symptoms change. If a test reveals that the viral load is increasing, a healthcare professional may need to adjust their treatment."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Learn more about an \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323874\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eundetectable viral load, tests, and treatment\u003c/a\u003e."}]},{"id":"how-the-test-works","title":"How the test works","isCollapsable":false,"header":["How do doctor test viral load?"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Healthcare professionals can test HIV viral load using a simple blood test. No preparation is necessary."},{"tagName":"p","source":"During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood and send the sample to the labs to test the viral load and CD4 count. CD4 cells are a type of immune cell that HIV attacks."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Once the results are back, the doctor may call to discuss them."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-hiv-tests\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eLearn about HIV tests.\u003c/a\u003e"}]},{"id":"results","title":"Results","isCollapsable":false,"header":["What do the results mean?"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Below is a summary of what the viral load blood test results may mean. The levels will vary based on the stage of the condition and the stage of treatment."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Detectable viral load"},{"tagName":"p","source":"When healthcare professionals see detectable levels of HIV in a viral load test, it may help them guide treatment. A person’s viral load may be high if they have not yet received any treatment, if they stop taking their medication as per instructions, or if the virus develops resistance to medications."},{"tagName":"p","source":"People can also experience \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://preventionaccess.org/faq/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003esmall rises\u003c/a\u003e in viral load during treatment. This is known as a viral blip. These small increases usually resolve on their own as a person continues their medication."},{"tagName":"p","source":"However, if the viral load continues to increase or tests continue showing frequent blips, this may require further investigation."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Learn more about the \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/signs-hiv-treatment-stops-working\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003esigns that HIV treatment is not working\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Undetectable viral load"},{"tagName":"p","source":"After starting \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324013\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eantiretroviral therapy (ART)\u003c/a\u003e, a person’s HIV viral load tests may come back with low numbers. When this occurs, the treatment is working, and HIV is no longer progressing."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The lower the viral load, the lower the risk of transmitting the virus to others. \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"JAMA\" rationale=\"Highly respected journal,Expert written journal,Peer reviewed journal\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2533066\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eLarge-scale research\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e has shown that when HIV is undetectable, it is virtually untransmittable through sex, even without a condom. This concept is known as \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hiv-u-equals-u-faqs\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eU=U\u003c/a\u003e, which stands for undetectable = untransmittable."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Having an undetectable viral load for \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases \" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/10-things-know-about-hiv-suppression\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eat least 6 months\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e means that a person has effectively zero risk of sexually transmitting the virus to an HIV-negative partner."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Transmission via pregnancy and childbirth, breastfeeding, or sharing syringes may still be possible, but the risk is substantially less."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Many tests define an undetectable viral load as less than \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://preventionaccess.org/faq/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003e40 copies/mL\u003c/a\u003e in the blood, but different laboratories may have different thresholds. The test results may say: target not detected, ND, or negative. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"Most people who start ART reach an undetectable viral load in \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/art/evidence-of-hiv-treatment.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003e6 months\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e. In around 1 in 6 people, it will take longer to find the right treatment because of their tolerance or adherence to the regimen."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323874\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eLearn more about an undetectable viral load.\u003c/a\u003e"}]},{"id":"cd-4-count","title":"CD4 count","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Viral load and CD4 count"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"When someone contracts HIV, the virus begins to take over specific cells in the immune system, known as \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cd4-count\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eCD4 cells\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"When the CD4 cells replicate, the HIV cells inside them also replicate. HIV hijacks the cellular machinery of CD4 cells to reproduce and shed more HIV, which means the viral load increases."},{"tagName":"p","source":"As the HIV viral load increases, the number of healthy CD4 cells decreases as they die, creating HIV copies. This puts a person at higher risk of infections."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Treatment aims to lower viral load, allowing the immune system to rebuild a healthy CD4 count. The number of CD4 cells in the person’s body will increase as their viral load falls. A higher CD4 count means the immune system is better able to fight infections."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cd4-t-cells\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eLearn more about CD4 cells.\u003c/a\u003e"},{"widget":{"widgetFormat":"widget-call-out","items":[{"headerTitle":["HIV and AIDS resources"],"content":[{"tagName":"p","attributes":{"className":"standout--body"},"source":"For more in-depth information and resources on HIV and AIDS, visit our \u003ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/hiv-and-aids\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ededicated hub\u003c/a\u003e."}]}]},"brandPage":{}}]},{"id":"summary","title":"Summary","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Summary"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"HIV viral load refers to the amount of HIV present in a person’s blood. Higher numbers typically indicate that they have not yet received HIV treatment or that their treatment is not currently working. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"A low viral load may mean treatment is working. When the viral load is undetectable for at least 6 months, it is untransmittable via sex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"However, HIV is a chronic condition. While the virus can become undetectable, some copies remain in the blood. People must continue to take their HIV medication as prescribed to keep their viral load undetectable."},{"tagName":"p","source":"With effective management, people living with HIV can experience the same quality of life as a person without HIV."}]}],"hasAffiliateLinks":false,"affiliates":[],"isDisclaimer":false,"isOwnedAndOperatedPresent":false,"propsFor":{"articleResources":[{"displayLink":"niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/10-things-know-about-hiv-suppression","link":"https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/10-things-know-about-hiv-suppression","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"10 things to know about HIV suppression. (2024)."}},{"displayLink":"preventionaccess.org/faq","link":"https://www.preventionaccess.org/faq","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Frequently asked questions. (n.d.)."}},{"displayLink":"cdc.gov/hiv/default.html","link":"https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/default.html","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"HIV. (2024)."}},{"displayLink":"jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2533066","link":"https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2533066","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Rodger AJ, et al. (2016). Sexual activity without condoms and risk of HIV transmission in serodifferent couples when the HIV-positive partner is using suppressive antiretroviral therapy."}},{"displayLink":"hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/provider-visits-and-lab-test/seeing-your-health-care-provider/","link":"https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/provider-visits-and-lab-test/seeing-your-health-care-provider/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Seeing your healthcare provider. (2022)."}},{"displayLink":"aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/fact-sheets/21/53/what-to-start--choosing-an-hiv-regimen/","link":"https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/what-start-choosing-hiv-treatment-regimen","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"What to start: Choosing an HIV treatment regimen. (2018).\u0026nbsp;"}}],"byline":{"authors":[{"id":942,"name":{"display":"Jenna Fletcher","first":"Jenna","last":"Fletcher"},"link":"/authors/jenna-fletcher","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eJenna Fletcher is a freelance writer and content creator. She writes extensively about health and wellness. As a mother of one stillborn twin, she has a personal interest in writing about overcoming grief and postpartum depression and anxiety, and reducing the stigma surrounding child loss and mental healthcare. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Jenna_Fletcher.png"}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":5474,"name":{"display":"Michaela Murphy, PA-C","first":"Michaela","last":"Murphy, PA-C"},"userLogin":"mmurphy","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/reviewers/michaela-murphy-pa-c","type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eMichaela Murphy is a nationally certified physician assistant with 15 years of experience in infectious disease, primary and urgent care, and women’s health. She is passionate about patient care, research, writing, mental health, and wellness.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePhiladelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University), MS\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUniversity of California, Berkeley, BA\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNational Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRegistered Yoga Teacher\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBasic Life Support (BLS)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Michaela-Murphy-500x500-Bio.png"}}],"id":"mnt-3109731","updateReason":["The article was updated with current verified sources and links to relevant information."],"editor":"Amy Murnan","factCheckedBy":"","factCheckers":[],"articleHistory":{"2018-11-30":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Jenna Fletcher","editor":"Jamie Smith","medicallyReviewedBy":"Daniel Murrell, MD"},"2024-02-27":{"updateReason":["The article was updated with current verified sources and links to relevant information."],"authors":"Jenna Fletcher","editor":"Amy Murnan","copyEditor":"Paula Field"},"2024-02-12":{"medicallyReviewedBy":"Michaela Murphy, PA-C"}},"articleDates":{"factChecked":{"date":null,"display":""},"medicallyReviewed":{"date":1707748918,"display":"February 12, 2024"},"published":{"date":1543536000,"display":"November 30, 2018"},"lastUpdates":{"date":1709044912,"display":"February 27, 2024"},"modified":{"date":1709047067,"display":"February 27, 2024"}},"type":"healthfeature","language":"en"},"readNext":{"items":[{"title":["How long can a person live with HIV?"],"text":["With consistent treatment, the life expectancy for people living with HIV is much higher than it used to be. Learn more here."],"link":"/articles/324321","imageAlt":"How long can a person live with HIV?","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/324321_1100.jpg","isNutrition":false,"authors":[],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What are the early signs and symptoms of HIV?"],"text":["With an early diagnosis, effective treatment for HIV is available. Find out how to recognize the early signs of HIV and what to do if they appear. "],"link":"/articles/315928","imageAlt":"What are the early signs and symptoms of HIV?","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/02/hiv-early-signs-collage-thumb.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/01/AV-scaled.jpeg","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What types of pain can HIV cause?"],"text":["Pain is common in people with HIV and may include headaches, joint pain, and cramps. Medications and complementary therapies may help."],"link":"/articles/323860","imageAlt":"What types of pain can HIV cause?","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/GettyImages-700740609-thumbnail.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/01/AV-scaled.jpeg","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"}]},"isCorp":false,"isReference":false,"isPremiumVideo":false,"isStandaloneVideo":false,"isStandaloneRecipe":false,"schemaObj":{"@context":"https://schema.org","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Medical News Today","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com/structure/images/logo/logo-2017-640-60.png"}},"@type":"MedicalWebPage","headline":"What is HIV viral load?","description":"Viral load refers the amount of HIV in a person's blood. Treatment aims to reduce a person’s viral load to undetectable levels.","keywords":"HIV viral load","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Jenna Fletcher"},"lastReviewed":"2024-02-12T14:41:58Z","url":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323851","datePublished":"2018-11-30T00:00:00Z","dateModified":"2024-02-27T14:41:52Z","articleSection":"Blood / Hematology,HIV and AIDS,Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses,Sexual Health / STDs","correction":{"@type":"CorrectionComment","text":"The article was updated with current verified sources and links to relevant information.","datePublished":"2024-02-27"},"reviewedBy":"Michaela Murphy, PA-C","primaryImageOfPage":["https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/viral_load_GettyImages932738286_Header-1024x575.jpg"],"thumbnail":["https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/viral_load_GettyImages932738286_Thumb.jpg"]},"hero":{}}},"ampLibs":{}},"pathname":"/tabbed","query":{"isControl":false,"url":"/articles/323851","activationReadNext":false,"experimentalRPM":"variant","dcsCopayBestOffer":"control","dcsNativeCoupon":"control","dcsCopayOnly":"variant","adbridgFlag":false,"oneTrustCPRA":true,"moveImageGalleryBelowDeck":"control","dcsEditInfoSectionPlacement":"control","pillIdentifierNoDupes":"control"},"publicPath":"https://assets.medicalnewstoday.com/_next/","appState":{"title":"HIV viral load: What it means, detection, and CD4 levels","canonical":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323851","hrlContentId":"mnt-3109731","isArticle":true,"isContentSeries":false,"canonicalPath":"/articles/323851","pageTemplate":"Tabbed Article","logMoreMetrics":true,"adsSponsored":true,"isCPUV":true,"newsletter":{"tags":"","categories":"blood,hiv-aids,infectious_diseases,sexual-health"},"isSponsoredArticle":true,"sponsoredProgramData":{"sponsoredBarTxt":"Content created by Medical News Today and sponsored by our partners. \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/ad-policy\"\u003eLearn more\u003c/a\u003e","programLogoImage":{},"logoTracking":"","logoSize":"default"},"targeting":{"k1":"hivaids","k2":"infectious","k3":"health","kmeta":"hiv-treatment","msiteactive":"true","msiteID":"cabenuvamnt24","url":"/articles/323851","articleId":"mnt-3109731","adLayout":"REDUCED"},"hidePlacements":["DCMR","a:head:mlb1","a:foot","a:rail:readnext"],"categories":[{"name":"Blood / Hematology","slug":"blood","link":"/categories/blood","children":[]},{"name":"HIV and AIDS","slug":"hiv-aids","link":"/categories/hiv-aids","primary":true,"children":[]},{"name":"Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses","slug":"infectious_diseases","link":"/categories/infectious_diseases","children":[]},{"name":"Sexual Health / STDs","slug":"sexual-health","link":"/categories/sexual-health","children":[]}],"subcategories":[],"author":"Jenna Fletcher","editor":"Amy Murnan","contentForm":"Head Term","type":"healthfeature","vertical":"Chronic Condition","trackingTerms":[],"isPremiumVideo":false,"isStandaloneVideo":false,"isStandaloneRecipe":false,"hasDisabledPrerollJWPlayer":false,"isNewsArticle":false,"hasEmbeddedJWPlayer":false,"byline":{"authors":[{"id":942,"name":{"display":"Jenna Fletcher","first":"Jenna","last":"Fletcher"},"link":"/authors/jenna-fletcher","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eJenna Fletcher is a freelance writer and content creator. She writes extensively about health and wellness. As a mother of one stillborn twin, she has a personal interest in writing about overcoming grief and postpartum depression and anxiety, and reducing the stigma surrounding child loss and mental healthcare. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Jenna_Fletcher.png"}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":5474,"name":{"display":"Michaela Murphy, PA-C","first":"Michaela","last":"Murphy, PA-C"},"userLogin":"mmurphy","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/reviewers/michaela-murphy-pa-c","type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eMichaela Murphy is a nationally certified physician assistant with 15 years of experience in infectious disease, primary and urgent care, and women’s health. She is passionate about patient care, research, writing, mental health, and wellness.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePhiladelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University), MS\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUniversity of California, Berkeley, BA\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNational Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRegistered Yoga Teacher\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBasic Life Support (BLS)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Michaela-Murphy-500x500-Bio.png"}}],"id":"mnt-3109731","updateReason":["The article was updated with current verified sources and links to relevant information."],"editor":"Amy Murnan","factCheckedBy":"","factCheckers":[],"articleHistory":{"2018-11-30":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Jenna Fletcher","editor":"Jamie Smith","medicallyReviewedBy":"Daniel Murrell, MD"},"2024-02-27":{"updateReason":["The article was updated with current verified sources and links to relevant information."],"authors":"Jenna Fletcher","editor":"Amy Murnan","copyEditor":"Paula Field"},"2024-02-12":{"medicallyReviewedBy":"Michaela Murphy, PA-C"}},"articleDates":{"factChecked":{"date":null,"display":""},"medicallyReviewed":{"date":1707748918,"display":"February 12, 2024"},"published":{"date":1543536000,"display":"November 30, 2018"},"lastUpdates":{"date":1709044912,"display":"February 27, 2024"},"modified":{"date":1709047067,"display":"February 27, 2024"}},"type":"healthfeature","language":"en"},"cesData":{"metaDescription":"Viral load refers the amount of HIV in a person's blood. 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