Viral load and the risk of transmission

This section will examine studies covering:

  • The link between viral load as measured in the blood, and the risk of sexual transmission.
  • The effect of antiretroviral treatment on transmission risk.
  • The effect of viral load and antiretroviral treatment on the risk of HIV transmission from a mother to her infant.
  • The role of primary infection.
  • The relationship between blood viral load and that in the semen, cervix/vagina and rectum.
  • What experts have said regarding viral load, antiretroviral treatment, and how to advise individuals.
This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.