The HIV treatment landscape is a lot different than it used to be. Here’s a closer look at how treatment has changed over the years and what it means to be living with HIV today.

Staying undetectable has always been a key goal of HIV treatment. And simply put, it means this: the amount of HIV in the blood is below the level that can be measured by a lab test.

WHAT DOES

U=U MEAN?

U=U stands for Undetectable equals Untransmittable.

According to the DHHS, people living with HIV who reach and stay undetectable by taking their HIV medication as prescribed prevent transmitting HIV through sex. First, talk to your doctor about risks of sexual HIV transmission.

How long does someone need to be on HIV treatment before the sexual transmission of HIV is prevented?

Achieving an undetectable viral load takes time. Taking HIV treatment as prescribed can help you get to and stay undetectable. Staying undetectable for at least 6 months can help prevent the transmission of HIV through sex. The CDC recommends performing viral load testing on a regular basis to confirm HIV remains at an undetectable level.

Should I still practice safe sex if I am undetectable?

Regardless of status, condoms can help you lead a healthy sexual life. Unlike HIV treatment, condoms can help prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.

CDC=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
DHHS=Department of Health and Human Services.

HOW HIV

TREATMENT HAS EVOLVED

We’ve come a long way from the days of HIV treatment regimens that required taking multiple pills to control HIV. In fact, multiple pills sometimes had to be taken more than once a day to help keep HIV under control. 

The treatment landscape has shifted quite a lot over the years, from multiple pills a day to single-pill regimens with fewer medicines to treat HIV.

CHANGES IN

HIV TREATMENT

Forging change in HIV treatment also means looking at how people with HIV live their lives. With this in mind, the way HIV is treated has changed over time.

In addition to treatments that control HIV with a complete, single-pill regimen, there is also a complete, long-acting injectable option for people who are already undetectable. This HIV treatment can help keep people undetectable for up to 2 months depending on the regimen. 

Could a long-acting HIV treatment be an option for you? Learn more about CABENUVA.

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