For over thirty years I have been an activist for quality care for all individuals living with HIV and an advocate to end the stigma of living with HIV. I believe U=U is one of the most significant advancements in the history of HIV since combination therapy.
What does this jumble of acronyms mean?
What is their bearing on who I am as a gay man?
As a coach?
For over thirty years I have been an activist for quality care for all individuals living with HIV and an advocate to end the stigma of living with HIV. I believe U=U is one of the most significant advancements in the history of HIV since combination therapy.
Undetectable Equals Untransmittable, or U=U, is the result of several scientific studies. The studies have shown that if the partner with HIV, within a serodiscordant couple, has an undetectable viral load, there have been no documented transmissions of HIV to the HIV negative partner through condomless sexual intercourse, whether anal or vaginal. U=U, at this point in time, is only conclusive regarding sexual transmission. U=U has been endorsed by over 600 organizations in 75 countries including the very conservative US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The current scientific data relies on an undetectable viral load for a minimum of 6 months for a designation of Undetectable = Untransmittable. Currently under scientific investigation are studies which examine an undetectable viral load and transmission of HIV through breast milk and injection drug use (IDU).
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is the use of antiretroviral medications (ART) after potentially being exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected with HIV. PEP should only be used in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after the possible exposure to HIV.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is the use of ART, one pill with two medications, taken once a day to prevent HIV infection.
PrEP and U=U are potential tools in your sexual health tool box. The choice to use or not to use a condom is a discussion to have with your sexual partner(s). Condom use does decrease infection with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia.
Knowledge = Power
Education creates awareness. Awareness encourages options.
U=U
Undetectable = Untransmittable.
Know your status.
Get tested.
Know the facts. Eliminate stigma!
Doug Moffat ACC
[1] One partner is HIV positive the other partner is HIV negative
[2]The amount of virus in the blood