Making HIV Undetectable
Undetectable Equals Untransmittable
- HIV treatment can reduce the amount of virus in the body to levels so low that the virus is undetectable.
- People who maintain an undetectable viral load for at least six months cannot transmit HIV through sex.
- This is known as undetectable equals untransmittable, or U = U.
People with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV through sex.
Treating HIV
- Medicines to treat HIV are safe and more effective than ever.
- When taken as prescribed, HIV medicines reduce the amount of virus in a person’s body.
- The sooner a person with HIV starts treatment, the less HIV can damage their body.
HIV medicines are called antiretroviral therapy (ART). There is no cure for HIV, but ART can help reduce the amount of virus in your body. To make medicines part of your routine, sign up to receive text reminders by texting MEDS to 877877.*
*Texting is available in English and Spanish
HIV and Sexual Health
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If you do not know your HIV status, get tested — it’s fast and easy. It’s also free at New York City Health Department Sexual Health Clinics.
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If you are living with HIV, be sure to take your medicines as prescribed and see an HIV doctor for regular checkups. -
If you do not have HIV, take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) daily to prevent transmission. -
If you are sexually active, use condoms as often as possible to protect against HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy.
Finding Services
HIV testing, care and treatment services are available regardless of your immigration status or ability to pay:
- Find information about free or low-cost HIV testing.
- For help finding HIV care, text CARE to 877877.*
- Find more information about PrEP.
- For additional support, read about Ryan White Services, the Health Department’s care coordination program.
*Texting is available in English and Spanish