Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)
People living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus. U=U is a powerful movement to combat stigma and help end the epidemic.
What is U=U?
In late 2017, the CDC made a defining statement about the U=U movement: People who take antiretroviral therapy (ART) daily as prescribed and maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting the virus to an HIV-negative partner. Reaching and maintaining an undetectable viral load is the best thing people living with HIV can do to stay healthy.
What is Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)?
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses HIV, preventing it from making copies of itself. With continued treatment, a person's viral load can drop to undetectable levels, which means HIV cannot be transmitted sexually. However, failure to adhere to ART can lead to a resurgence of the virus.
U=U + Our Prevention Toolbox = Peace of Mind
While U=U means there is virtually no risk of sexual transmission, combining it with regular condom use and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) further ensures that there is no risk of transmission or contracting the virus. These tools provide peace of mind for people living with HIV and their partners.
Transmission Through Other Means
While sexual transmission is not possible with an undetectable viral load, there is still research to be done regarding other forms of transmission. There may still be risks through injection drug use or breastfeeding even when the viral load is undetectable.