What does U=U mean? Expand U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) is a global campaign to spread the awareness about the scientific FACT that a person with an undetectable HIV viral load can’t transmit the virus to their sexual partners. What does ‘undetectable’ mean? People who are taking their antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV, and the treatment has worked so effectively that the virus is reduced to such a low level that it's classed as undetectable. It is sometimes referred to as an Undetectable Viral load, meaning the level of the virus present is someone's bloodstream is very low. That does ‘untransmittable’ mean? When someone is on effective ART and has an undetectable viral load, it is impossible for them to spread HIV sexually. Therefore, even through the carry the virus, it’s cannot be spread sexually to someone else.
Why is U=U so important? Expand These days, people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives. And, if their viral load is undetectable, they can have sex with their partner(s) without having to worry about transmitting the virus – which is great! U=U is important because it shatters those long-standing myths and misconceptions about HIV and people living with HIV. The goal of the campaign is to spread information about awareness about how HIV is transmitted – and how it isn’t – and to ultimately break down some of the stigma that people living with HIV experience every day.
What is the science behind it? Expand U=U is based off several peer-reviewed studies, including HPTN 052, PARTNER, PARTNER2, and Opposites Attract. Results from these studies revealed ZERO transmissions between people with HIV on ART who had undetectable viral loads and their HIV negative partners. Since the advent of combination therapy, there have been no confirmed reports of anyone with an undetectable viral load sexually transmitting HIV.1,2 For more information about the science behind U=U, please visit the campaign’s FAQ page: https://www.preventionaccess.org/faq 1 Vernazza PL, Bernard EJ. HIV is not transmitted under fully suppressive therapy: The Swiss Statement – eight years later Swiss Med Weekly 2016; http://bit.ly/SwissMedWeekly Accessed Sept. 4, 2016, 146. 2 Collins, Simon. The evidence for U=U: why negligible risk is zero risk. Positive Person’s Forum, July 1, 2017. Glasgow.
Is this relevant when sharing needles? Expand U=U does not apply to HIV transmission through needle sharing. At the moment, there is not enough research to draw a conclusion.
Do I have to tell sexual partners if I’m undetectable? Expand Having an undetectable viral load and continuing to stay on medication means you are not putting your partner(s) at risk. There is no moral imperative to disclose when you are not putting your partner at risk. You may want to consider the pros and cons of disclosing your status with your partner(s). Scotland does not lawfully require you to disclose your status to anyone. It is important to keep in mind that many discriminatory HIV criminalisation laws exist in some countries that require you to disclose your status, even when there is no risk of transmissions.