What is a suppressed viral load?

Have you ever wondered why ‘suppressed viral load’ sounds like the name of an underground techno album? Well, fellow reader, strap in because we are about to take a wild ride through the world of HIV/AIDS and all its complicated jargon. Now don’t worry, I promise this won’t be as boring as your high school biology class where mitosis was everyone’s favorite word. In this article we will dive into what exactly a suppressed viral load is and explore some related terms that will make you sound like an expert at your next cocktail party.

Introduction

Let’s start with some basic definitions before jumping into suppressed viral load. First up: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). This retrovirus attacks the immune system by attacking CD4 cells which are responsible for fighting off infections in our bodies. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) which means our weakened immune systems allow opportunistic infections and cancers to take over.

Now let’s get technical with another term: plasma or more specifically plasma viremia – this refers to the amount of HIV circulating through someone’s bloodstream measured as copies/mL using something called a ‘viral load test’.

So what is Suppressed Viral Load exactly?

A suppressed viral load simply means that an individual living with HIV has successfully kept their virus levels low enough that it cannot be detected on lab tests – ideally less than 20 copies/mL although some health agencies set different benchmarks based on available technology (yawn, yes there can be drama even within scientific communities).

Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART)

But how does one achieve suppression? Here comes ART – Antiretroviral Therapy! A combination of several drugs taken daily which work together to interrupt various stages in the virus reproduction cycle slowing down or sometimes even stopping the virus from reproducing. A suppressed viral load means that ART has been successful in keeping someone’s HIV under control and significantly reducing their risk of transmitting it to others.

Viral Blips

Don’t worry if you come across the term viral blip while learning more about suppression, it’s nothing too serious! It simply refers to a temporary increase in someone’s detectable viral level – usually for up to two consecutive tests. But a true viral rebound is when someone previously suppressed experiences significant increases after repeatedly testing undetectable levels. This can happen for various reasons including poor adherence or resistance to medications so continued monitoring through regular testing is important!

Undetectability

Nowadays people living with HIV often refer to having an “undetectable status” which just means they have achieved suppression (remember: no detected levels of virus). Achieving and maintaining an undetectable status not only reduces transmission risks but also improves overall health outcomes as studies show that people who are medically adherent have lower chances of disease progression and non AIDS-related complications.

Treatment as Prevention (TasP)

We’ve touched upon one major benefit of being suppressed – reduced risk of passing on the virus, this prevention strategy is called Treatment as Prevention or TAS”, where there is a considerable decrease in the likelihood of transmission between sexual partners.

But hold on fellow jokesters because TasP isn’t always cut-and-dried! Studies have shown varying results regarding reductions during condomless sex. In fact, Quebec Public Health says quote-on-quote “findings suggest that using condoms may be preferable” (Disclaimer: still use protection!)

Conclusion

Well pals, we made it through unscathed — the world ‘suppressed’ might seem daunting but fear not! Suppression ultimately leads improved long-term health observed in those living with HIV/AIDS; getting tested regularly, sticking to medication regimes, and seeing healthcare providers remain the most efficient ways of achieving ‘undespendability’. It’s crucial not only for those living with HIV/AIDS but also for their partners to be aware of different means in which existing treatments can reduce transmission rates (like TasP).

So next time you’re at a party… quietly whip out some one-liners like “Did y’all hear about that suppressed viral load? Suppressed so easily, it’s no sweat man” (cue~ fake Chuck Norris laugh)… I guarantee people will think you’re HILARIOUS.

Maybe.

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