Viral load undetected with high CD4 count and a healthy partner

Dear Ask The Doctor: For discordant couples, if one partner is following medication and other necessary HIV management issues properly and has their viral load undetected with a high CD4, is it possible for the healthy partner not to be infected in the event of exposure?

Dear James: Even with an undetectable viral load and a high CD4 count there is still the possibility to get the virus if you do not practice safe sex. It is very important to keep practicing safe sex at all times, this can prevent HIV infection, meaning: using condoms, avoid casual sex and promiscuity with unknown HIV status individuals, avoid receptive anal intercourse (which carries a particularly high risk), and don’t do injection or other drugs (sharing needles or drug paraphernalia).

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