Undetectable = Untransmittable
No matter who you are, knowing the facts will make you a stronger ally in the fight against HIV.
Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)
With Medication, You Cannot Transmit HIV!
- Since 2014, The Undetectables has helped people living with HIV achieve viral suppression.
- People living with HIV who take their medications as prescribed and have an undetectable viral load cannot pass on HIV to their sexual partners (Undetectable = Untransmittable or U=U).
Freedom and Hope
- After decades of fear of transmitting the virus, U=U shows there is now a way for people living with HIV to have healthy sexual and reproductive lives without fear of stigma and discrimination.
- Having a suppressed or undetectable viral load also stops HIV from progressing, so sticking to HIV medication allows people to live long, healthy lives.
The Science
- The science is clear, and U=U is supported by the facts.
- In three major studies where virally suppressed partners had HIV-negative sexual partners, there was not a single case of HIV transmission.
- This means that HIV medications are effective, and people with HIV and their partners have a way to show HIV who's boss!
You Can Help to End the Epidemic
- When people with HIV do their part to remain undetectable, they are playing an essential role in stopping the AIDS epidemic.
- Learn more about how you can make a difference by downloading the U=U PDF below.
“The science really does verify and validate U=U. From a practical standpoint, the risk is zero.
So, don’t worry about it.”
-Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
What is a viral load?
The Relentless Advocate
An HIV Viral Load (also known as “VL”) is the amount of HIV that appears in the bloodstream. An undetectable viral load means lower amounts of the HIV virus are present. The lowest levels of a detectable viral load is about 40-75 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood. The highest measure can be over 500,000 copies of HIV per milliliter. Remember — being undetectable is a huge achievement and means that your body is responding well to medication and ongoing treatment, but don’t forget to follow up once you’ve reached undetectable status to make sure that your viral load is still under control.
What does viral suppression mean?
The Suppressor
Suppressing your viral load means using HIV medication (antiretrovirals) to control the virus and put it in its place. Research focusing on HIV and viral load suppression is happening every day — meaning that more accurate tests and treatment are always within reach.
What should I do when I experience setbacks or disappointments in my treatment?
The Gender Warrior
Remember, the entire Undetectables community has your back! There have been countless others who have successfully suppressed their viral loads, and now, they’re here to help you suppress yours. Organizations like Housing Works Community Healthcare are leading the conversation on HIV/AIDS, while securing funding and government support in order to make medical treatment and medications available to all, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or living conditions.
