The question of whether HIV can be contracted from someone with an undetectable viral load remains complex. However, the chances are exceedingly low. In fact, the possibility of transmitting HIV from an individual with an undetectable viral load is minimal.
## **Understanding HIV Undetectable**
In simplified terms, HIV is deemed “undetectable” when the virus levels in a person’s blood are so low that standard tests cannot detect them.
The term “undetectable” means that the individual’s HIV viral load is below the threshold detectable by routine testing methods—typically fewer than 50 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood (<50 copies/mL). This measurement of HIV in the body fluids is known as the viral load.Effective HIV treatment can bring the amount of HIV in bodily fluids to undetectable levels, sometimes even to trace amounts.Reaching an undetectable status is a significant achievement in managing HIV. It indicates that the virus has been considerably suppressed. However, continuous monitoring is crucial to ensure that the viral load remains at this reduced level. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) plays a vital role in maintaining this status.**Note:** The exact criteria for "undetectable" can vary between laboratories, and there is no universally accepted threshold that categorizes someone as entirely HIV-free.## **What Does Being HIV-Positive Mean?**Being HIV-positive signifies that an individual has contracted the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which can eventually lead to AIDS. Transmission can occur through contact with blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from an infected person. AIDS is a severe condition resulting from HIV and can pose a significant threat to life.Determining HIV status definitively requires professional medical testing since the virus might not exhibit symptoms for many years. HIV testing is the only reliable method to confirm the presence of the virus and assess the risk of developing AIDS.If diagnosed as HIV-positive, you might begin to notice symptoms gradually, such as:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Mouth sores
- Swollen lymph glands
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
## **Is Transmission Possible if HIV is Undetectable?**
No, achieving an undetectable status means the virus is present in such low quantities that it cannot be transmitted through bodily fluids like blood or semen. Essentially, you become non-infectious.
As long as the viral load remains undetectable, the risk of transmitting HIV to a sexual partner is zero.
Although the risk is very low if your partner has an undetectable viral load, using PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) can further reduce the chance of contracting the virus. When taken as prescribed, PrEP can be up to 99% effective at preventing HIV transmission.
For more information and resources, visit the [Bridge Health website](https://www.bridgehealth.org).