What is U = U?
U=U stands for “undetectable equals untransmittable.”
Someone living with HIV who has maintained an undetectable status for at least 6 months cannot pass HIV on to their sexual partners.
When a person living with HIV is actively taking HIV medication and their viral load (the amount of HIV in their blood) stays at undetectable levels, that person cannot transmit HIV to a sexual partner who is HIV-negative.
For almost everyone who starts taking their HIV medication, as prescribed, their viral load will drop to an undetectable level in six months or less.
How to achieve and maintain "undetectable" status
![clinic icon](https://knowyo.org/wp-content/themes/knowyo.org/images/clinic-icon.png)
Start Treatment.
Find health care providers who make you feel comfortable and supported. They'll get you started on a treatment plan, help plan the next steps in your care, and connect you with local services.
![clinic icon](https://knowyo.org/wp-content/themes/knowyo.org/images/pharm-icon.png)
Take Medication.
For almost everyone who starts taking their HIV medication/antiretroviral therapy (ART), as prescribed, their viral load will drop to an undetectable level in six months or less.
![clinic icon](https://knowyo.org/wp-content/themes/knowyo.org/images/dr-icon.png)
Stay In Care.
Continue seeing your health care provider to achieve—then maintain—an undetectable viral load. The only way to know if you are undetectable is by getting tested regularly. Additionally, use a condom every time you have sex.