What is viral load?
Viral load is the term used to describe the amount of HIV in a person’s blood.
How long does it take to reduce your viral load?
Once consistent with the medication Viral load can be reduced within 3 – 6 months depending on the starting level. In the majority of cases it takes up to 6 months but can occur as early as two weeks.
How do I know if I am virally suppressed?
Regular viral load testing helps people living with HIV and their health-care providers to monitor the success of a treatment regimen to determine if they are virally suppressed. Viral load testing is done at the Medical Research Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago, the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex and the San Fernando General Hospital. Persons can access viral load through attendance to the HIV Treatment clinics in the 5 Regional Health Authorities.
Viral load monitoring should occur every six (6) months to confirm suppression.
If I am virally suppressed, can I have unprotected sex without spreading the virus?
It is advised to continue to practice safe sex through the use of male and female condoms to protect against other sexually transmitted infections/diseases.
