+ What is U=U?

It means:

Undetectable: Your lab results show very little HIV in your body for six months or longer. Another term for this is “being virally suppressed.”

Untransmittable: You have zero risk of passing HIV to your sexual partners.

When a person is undetectable, their HIV is untransmittable. If we can get 90% of people with HIV to live U=U, we can end the HIV epidemic by 2030!

+ How long will it take to get my HIV to be undetectable?

You should start treatment as soon as possible after learning you have HIV. Your goal is to decrease the amount of HIV in your body to very low levels—so low that it’s difficult for lab tests to measure.

It takes commitment to do this. You need to take your meds on time, every time, every day. You’ll need to take your meds for six months or longer to lower the amount of HIV in your body. Once your doctor completes lab tests and confirms your low levels of HIV, you can be confident you won’t pass HIV to your sexual partners.

Remember: You’ll still have HIV. You’ll need to keep taking your meds and seeing your doctor regularly to make sure the amount of HIV in your body remains low.

+ If my lab results can’t measure any HIV in my body, does it mean I’m cured?

NO! There is no cure for HIV. Even though your lab results show very little HIV in your body, it’s still there. The amount is just very, very low and hard to find. This means you’re taking your HIV meds and they are working. Keep up the great work!

+ How often do I need to have my viral load checked?

U=U requires regular testing to make sure your HIV is still undetectable. Generally, you should visit your doctor every three months to have lab work done, as well as testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—especially if you or your partner have other sexual partners.

+ Does everyone who takes HIV meds become “undetectable?”

A small amount of people won’t ever be able to lower the amount of HIV in their body. This can be due to other health issues, how often they take their meds, or other reasons.

It’s OK if a person can’t lower their HIV. To live the healthiest life possible, they should keep taking their meds as prescribed. They can enjoy safer sex with partners who choose other prevention options like condoms and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

+ What will happen if I stop taking my HIV meds?

If you stop taking your meds, or don’t take them daily as prescribed, the amount of HIV in your body will increase. This can affect your overall health and will make it possible for you to pass HIV on to a sexual partner.

+ Can U=U prevent the spread of HIV through breastfeeding or intravenous drug use?

No. HIV treatment is only 100% effective at preventing HIV through sexual activity.

+ Do HIV meds protect me from other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

HIV meds DO NOT stop other STIs (like gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia) from being shared among partners. If you are sexually active, you should be tested for STIs at least once a year.

+ If my HIV is undetectable and my partner is HIV negative, is it still necessary to use condoms?

A combination of PrEP and condoms will provide maximum protection. While PrEP protects HIV negative people from getting the virus, using condoms is recommended to prevent other STIs like gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia. Always discuss your preferred means of protection with your partner.

+ Where can I learn more about the science of U=U?

The Evidence Supporting U=U (Terrence Higgins Trust)