Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves overall health and prevents sexual transmission of HIV. The goal of treatment is to achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load. Studies have shown that effective ART prevents sexual transmission of HIV.

• Adherence to ART is essential for achieving and maintaining an undetectable viral load.
• It can take up to 6 months to achieve an undetectable viral load.
• Regular viral load testing is the only way to know if viral levels are undetectable. These tests are a standard part of HIV care. 
• A person living with HIV can generally be confident that their viral load is stably undetectable if they have remained undetectable for six months. 
• U=U is an important part of the HIV prevention toolbox. 

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