Treatment as Prevention (TasP), a powerful strategy in the realm of HIV management, involves the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to prevent sexual transmission of the virus. When individuals with HIV adhere to their prescribed HIV medicine regimen and achieve an undetectable viral load, they not only maintain their own health but also significantly reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to their uninfected partners during sexual encounters. This concept is often summarized as “undetectable = untransmittable” (U=U). Viral suppression is characterized by having an HIV viral load of fewer than 200 copies per milliliter of blood.
CDC the risk of transmission with undetectable viral load into these :
- Sexual Activity (oral, anal, or vaginal):
- Studies have shown no risk of transmission when an individual with an undetectable viral load engages in sexual activity with an uninfected partner.
- Pregnancy, Labor, and Delivery:
- The risk of transmitting HIV during pregnancy, labor, and delivery is 1% or less.
- Sharing Syringes or Other Drug Injection Equipment:
- The risk of HIV transmission through sharing syringes or other drug injection equipment is unknown, but it is likely reduced when viral suppression is achieved.
- Breastfeeding:
- While viral suppression substantially reduces the risk, it does not eliminate the possibility of transmitting HIV through breastfeeding.
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