November 20, 2017 BY imani leave a comment
If you’re confused about HIV and what viral suppression means, you’re not alone. The National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) recently published a blog post entitled “10 Things to Know About HIV Suppression,” which offers a wealth of information for physicians and patients alike. Among the highlights:
*Viral suppression means the disease is undetectable thanks to ever more advanced antiretroviral (ART) drug treatment. Although HIV doesn’t disappear from the body, the levels of the virus fall so low that blood tests cannot detect them.
*It doesn’t take long to achieve viral suppression. Within 1 to 6 months of beginning treatment, a patient’s viral load will drop below detectable levels, according to the blog. Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the NIAID, asserted that this time frame is fairly conservative; with new medication, people can achieve viral suppression very rapidly.
*Achieving durable viral suppression means there is basically no risk of transmitting the virus to a partner. After the viral load has been undetectable for 6 months, a patient is considered to have achieved durable viral suppression. “This means that most people will need to be on treatment for 7 to 12 months to have a durably undetectable viral load,” the blog authors wrote, taking into account the initial period of treatment during which the viral load drops.
*Maintaining viral suppression is a lifelong endeavor. Regular testing is essential if you want to ensure continued viral suppression. Get your blood checked roughly every 3 to 6 months, and make sure there are no gaps in your daily treatment regimen.
*Being virally suppressed does not protect you from transmitting or receiving other infections and diseases. Viral suppression does not lower your risk of transmitting or contracting hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, and other sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Patients should be encouraged to speak with their health care provider about receiving vaccines to prevent these conditions, and consider using condoms if they have any doubts about potential partners.
Facts taken from Contagion Online. Read the full article here.
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