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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is your viral load undetectable (below 50 copies) or does it fluctuate?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Seattle, WA

During the last year my viral load has increased between 100 and 400 copies three times. After retesting all came back negative. I haven't had a viral load for years. Even with 100 copies before being retested my HIV doc was suggesting changing my meds. Has anyone else experienced this, or is currently carrying a viral load requiring a med change?

I remember back in the 90's it was difficult to get my viral load below 500,000 until I got on a Merck Crixivan Study. How different things are… read more

November 29, 2020
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone experiencing viral load fluctuations between 100 and 400 copies that returned to undetectable after retesting,... Read more

Members rallied around someone experiencing viral load fluctuations between 100 and 400 copies that returned to undetectable after retesting, with many sharing similar experiences of temporary blips caused by factors like illness, lab processing errors, or natural variation. Several members offered reassurance that most doctors wouldn't change medications for such small, temporary increases, sharing their own stories of maintaining undetectable status for decades despite occasional blips. A recurring theme was gratitude for modern HIV treatments that make sustained viral suppression possible with minimal side effects, hope for future vaccines, and the importance of consistent medication adherence in staying healthy.

A myHIVteam Member

Anything below 200 is undetectable. The current tests can detect up to 20. I have been at 50-75 for the last three years. We added another drug 2 months ago and it now less than 20. So happy.

December 1, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

24 yrs here❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍🌈💋

November 30, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

Undetectable for more then 10 years !

November 30, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

@A myHIVteam Member Just to make this correct, It is anything below 50 is undetectable. When the 200 comes in to play is with is with your CD4 count, and anything under 200 you are considered to have AIDS so you want your CD4 to be over 200 and viral load under 50. I hope this clears this up for those who may be new to having HIV or AIDS.

December 1, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

I've been + for 2 years now and it has gotten to undetectable (40) twice. But during that whole time I was still on initial ART treatment, or was sick with something else. Last test (in October) it was 90 and falling again. I'm actually doing well, on three-month appointment rotations, and ID doctor is satisfied. So I'll declare a victory and keep moving forward thankfully

December 1, 2020

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