What is Undetectable HIV? Explaining U=U

As with all AMAZE content, educators are encouraged to watch the video and read additional resources before showing it to your students and engaging in a discussion. It’s extremely important to know that HIV prevention, treatment, and care has changed dramatically over the last few decades, and we all may have preconceived notions about HIV that are no longer accurate.

This video is meant to both educate about safer sex practices when someone is living with HIV, as well as shift harmful stereotypes and stigma associated with someone living with HIV. That is why in one section of the video, the character says “HIV is more comparable to diabetes than cancer.” That is not to suggest the two are equivalent. It is simply stating that by taking medication and getting regular checkups, someone living with HIV today can live a full, healthy life and have relationships just like everyone else.

There is no cure for HIV, but it can be treated. In fact, people living with HIV today can take medication that is so effective that the HIV in their blood becomes undetectable – they still have HIV, and an HIV test looking for HIV antibodies will still be positive, but the virus is undetectable in their blood. When someone’s HIV is undetectable, they will no longer transmit HIV to a sexual partner, even if they don’t use condoms. Medical professionals call this U=U, which stands for “undetectable equals untransmittable.” Scientists have done a lot of research to prove this.

A young person living with HIV may have an undetectable viral load and still test positive for HIV. There are three commonly used tests to evaluate HIV status. The primary test detects the person’s HIV antibodies. This will tell doctors if a patient does or does not have HIV. Looking at someone’s viral load is a different test, sometimes referred to as a Nucleic Acid Test, and signifies how much HIV is in the person’s blood. When there is very little HIV in the blood, the person has an undetectable viral load. An antigen test may also be performed. While an undetectable viral load isn’t a cure, it’s an incredibly effective way to stay healthy, and someone with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to someone else sexually (Undetectable=Untransmittable).

Young people should also know about a medicine called PrEP, which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP is a daily pill that can be prescribed to help reduce the risk of contracting HIV and in studies has been shown to be highly effective when used properly. This medication is often prescribed for individuals who are considered to be at higher risk for contracting HIV.

The initials HIV and the acronym AIDS are often used together leading people to believe they are the same thing when in reality they are different. HIV is the virus that can cause AIDS, and AIDS is the illness that can occur later when the immune system is no longer able to fight off infections like it is supposed to. It’s important for educators to try to use HIV as much as possible, and to correct students who say “AIDS” when they mean “HIV.”

Despite many myths that exist, students should know that not all bodily fluids transmit HIV. The bodily fluids that can transmit HIV are semen, vaginal fluid, blood and breast milk. Emphasize to students that HIV does NOT transmit from saliva, kissing, or touching.

When someone first gets infected with HIV they usually do not show any symptoms. This is why getting tested regularly is important. If someone is tested and they have HIV, there are many medications that can help treat the symptoms of HIV. These medications, in addition to regular check ups, can help someone with HIV to have undetectable viral loads of HIV in their blood. When someone is undetectable, they cannot transmit HIV through sexual intercourse. It’s important young people understand that HIV treatments are incredibly effective and allow people living with HIV to live a healthy, symptom-free life.

Before young people begin engaging in sexual behaviors, they should know how they can reduce the risk of contracting HIV by decreasing their number of sexual partners, getting tested before sexual activity and properly and consistently using latex barriers, like condoms, female (internal) condoms and dental dams.

It’s also very helpful for young people to know how to get tested once they begin having sex. HIV and other STD testing and treatment is offered through your family doctor or at most family planning clinics and community health centers. Home testing kits are now available in most major pharmacies as well. HIV testing often involves either a simple blood test or a mouth swab.