HIV infection-free
Many people in Sweden use the term 'undetectable' (U=U) to describe HIV. This means that a person living with HIV has such low levels of the virus through their medication that it cannot be transmitted to others during sex. Researchers have followed a large number of couples where one partner does not have HIV and the other partner has HIV and is successfully treated. The results show that HIV has not been transmitted in a single case.
The vast majority (99 %) of people living with HIV in Sweden choose to stay on treatment. 98 % of those on treatment achieve undetectable viral loads and therefore cannot transmit HIV to anyone else. This also applies to sex without a condom. Those who get HIV today generally get it from someone who does not know they are living with HIV.
How long does it take to get a successful treatment?
How long you need to take medication to bring the virus down to undetectable levels is individual. For some, it takes a few months, for others it may take longer. For treatment to be considered successful, virus levels need to be undetectable at two consecutive measurements, six months apart. It is important that the medication is taken correctly and that there are no breaks in the medication.
What changes for people who have successful treatment?
Your doctor may decide that you no longer need to use condoms during sex or disclose your HIV status to sexual partners, as there is no risk of transmitting HIV to anyone else. For most people, it is a relief to know that they cannot transmit HIV through sex to anyone else, and partners can relax and enjoy themselves in a different way.
