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A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Harwich, MA

What's in my blood that will indicate that I am HIV undetectable? Is there some kind of dormant or "dead copy" of the virus that confirms that? Otherwise, if it's GONE, why are we still taking the meds? Thanks.

June 27, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members thoroughly explained what undetectable means in response to questions about HIV viral load, emphasizing that the virus remains in the... Read more

Members thoroughly explained what undetectable means in response to questions about HIV viral load, emphasizing that the virus remains in the body but is suppressed by medication to levels too low to be detected on tests (typically under 50 copies per milliliter), and that stopping medication would allow the virus to rapidly replicate again. Several members shared personal experiences and practical knowledge, including one who went off meds for over a year and saw their viral load rebound to over 10,000 copies before returning to undetectable after resuming treatment, while others explained how antiretroviral therapy works through three mechanisms to block viral entry, prevent reproduction, and render any remaining virus unable to replicate. A recurring theme was the scientific consensus around U=U (Undetectable equals Untransmittable), though some members expressed skepticism about transmission risk, with the community ultimately reinforcing the importance of consistent medication adherence, regular monitoring, and understanding that while undetectable status prevents transmission, the virus remains present and would resurface without ongoing treatment.

A myHIVteam Member

Few copies of the Body Snatchers.
Only their still snatching. Almost 23 years with the medications and now I have to die. It takes its toll on your organs. My Heart first with open heart surgery in 2009, Mitral valve replacement, to now my kidneys going.
Just because the virus is under wraps, so to speak, doesn't mean you are well. You pay a price for this sooner or later.

July 23, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

WE are STILL taking HIV Meds because there is NO CURE, thus far Released to cure this Multi BILLION DOLLAR Industry (That WE Are) Curing HIV could Collapse an entire Big Pharma company-s. As far as the 0=0/U=U "Story" The bottom line is...... in this case a viral load of 200 copies per Milliliter of Blood is what they consider 0/U. This is where it gets Confusing. We want a higher CD 4 cell count But these Cells are where the virus is Replicated. So we Take Meds to suppress V-L, while trying to build up our Immune system. Viral Load comes from T- Cell/CD 4, where the virus mutates. If this makes you sick to your stomach,... it should...! This is why Our Bodies are in a Constant state of Conflict/Confusion. The birth and death cycle of HIV. And trying to stay Healthy. In closing... If you Stop your HIV meds.. You will face Certain Death, because it does not take long for HIV to soon become AIDS. Without treatment People are Still Dying all over the world, Right Here, Right Now. Sorry to be so grim, but somehow, someone needs to speak the Truth about this Horrible Reality.

P.S. GlennLT, Happy Anniversary August 13th. (Also My birthday "1961")

June 28, 2018 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

Undetectable means the the count is less than 10 or 20 so can’t be detected but you still have the virus and an hiv test will show as positive.

On the other side U=U Undetectable=Untransmittable!

June 27, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

The virus never leaves your body. The meds just stop if from multiplying and it lays dormant. As long as you stay on your meds, the virus will remain suppressed.

June 27, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

Xavier , I couldn't agree with that statement more .!!! U=U does not make sense. I believe the newly infected are using this to try and cope .

September 3, 2018

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