The term viral load refers to the amount of virus in an infected person's blood. In the context of HIV, viral load is what's used to describe the amount of HIV present in an infected person's blood. As the viral count rises, so does the CD4 cell count - this essentially means that the immune system continues to be negatively affected, and the risk of becoming sick as a result of HIV increases - as does the potential of HIV transmission[1].
This is everything you should know about HIV viral load including how viral load is calculated with viral load testing, what is a normal HIV viral load and what an undetectable viral load means.
See also: What is the Treatment for HIV?
How is HIV viral load calculated?
As mentioned above, viral load is the amount of virus in a person's blood sample who has tested positive for HIV. An HIV viral load test measures the amount of HIV's genetic material in a sample, according to NAM, "the results of a viral load test are described as the number of copies of HIV RNA in a milliliter of blood."
What does an undetectable viral load mean?
HIV treatment, also known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), works by reducing the amount of viral load in the blood to keep the immune system functioning properly and prevent any potential illness. These medications can work to the point where the virus becomes undetectable in tests, commonly referred to as undetectable viral load [2]. According to HIV.gov, an undetectable HIV viral load is generally considered to be declared undetectable if it is under 40 to 75 copies in a sample of your blood.
It’s important to keep in mind that although the viral load is so low that it can’t be detected, it doesn’t mean that the HIV has disappeared or been cured completely; treatment will need to continue in order to maintain this level [3].
See also: What are the Stages of HIV?
What does a detectable viral load mean if you’re receiving HIV treatment?
Recreational, prescription or herbal drugs can all have an effect on HIV treatment, as can not taking medication at the correct time or skipping doses [4]. If viral load remains detectable during treatment, it may be a result of the aforementioned, or it may boil down to another aspect.
Your healthcare provider will likely speak to you about the next steps as well as the options available with regards to the correct combination of medications and effective HIV treatment that may work best.
See also: HIV and Pneumonia: What’s the Connection?
It’s important to keep in mind that many people might not experience any signs of symptoms of HIV and early detection is key to beginning treatment and going on to live a healthy life - this is why it’s so important to regularly screen your sexual health.
Testing for HIV can be done with your local doctor or from home with an at-home lab test. LetsGetChecked’s at-home STI Tests detect some of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The test for HIV involves a simple finger-prick sample and online results will be available within 2-5 days. Our dedicated medical team will be available throughout the process to provide support and guidance in any way they can.
See also: How do you Check for HIV From Home?
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV Treatment. Online: Cdc.gov, 2019
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Antiretroviral Therapy to Prevent Sexual Transmission of HIV (Treatment as Prevention). Online: Clinicalinfo.hiv.gov, 2019
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Antiretroviral Therapy to Prevent Sexual Transmission of HIV (Treatment as Prevention). Online: Clinicalinfo.hiv.gov, 2019
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV Treatment. Online: Cdc.gov, 2019
