PrEP and/ or condoms are not necessary to prevent HIV when the sexual partner has an undetectable viral load. Having an undetectable viral load, using PrEP and using condoms are all HIV prevention strategies that people can choose to use alone or in combination.

Do I need PEP if someone is undetectable?

If the person you had sex with is living with HIV and has an undetectable viral load, you will not need PEP as it wont be possible for the virus to have been transmitted. Once a doctor decides that its appropriate for you to have PEP, you will be asked to take an HIV test.

Can you date someone who is undetectable?

Its completely safe to kiss and hug your partner. If your partner is taking HIV treatment and has an undetectable viral load, there is no risk of HIV transmission. Using condoms is also an effective way of preventing HIV transmission during sex.

Will I test negative if my viral load is undetectable?

You will still test positive for HIV if you are undetectable. HIV tests usually detect antibodies, which are part of your immune systems response to HIV. People living with HIV who are undetectable still have antibodies to HIV which means you will test positive for HIV even if you have an undetectable viral load.

Does undetectable always mean Untransmittable?

“Undetectable” describes when the copies of HIV in a persons blood is so low that it does not show up on a lab test. The test measures a persons “viral load.” “Untransmittable” means that a person living with HIV has virtually no chance of transmitting the HIV virus to someone else through sexual contact.