U=U

FAQs
(FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

I am a person living with HIV (PLWH). Should I start treatment?

Yes. HIV medication, known as ART (antiretroviral treatment), should be taken as soon as possible after your diagnosis. It strengthens your immune system and can prevent the sexual transmission of the virus, which is known as Treatment as Prevention (TasP).

What is U=U?

It stands for Undetectable equals Untransmittable. If you’re a PLWH who takes HIV medication as recommended, you can get to an undetectable state, where the virus is so low that a blood test will not detect it. It is a scientifically proven fact that with undetectable HIV, there is ZERO risk of transmitting the virus through sex.

Can U=U prevent the spread of HIV through breastfeeding or intravenous drug use?

No, HIV treatment is only 100% effective at preventing HIV through sexual activity.

Does U=U apply to all types of sex?

Yes, PLWH with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV through sex – including insertive or receptive anal sex, vaginal sex, and oral sex.

How long does it take for my viral load (i.e. the amount of HIV in my blood) to become undetectable?

For most PLWH, their viral load becomes undetectable after 3 to 6 months of treatment. Your HIV is considered undetectable when all viral load test results are undetectable for at least six months after your first undetectable test result. Your viral load can only be determined by a lab test.

Can HIV medication benefit anyone living with HIV?

Some people are drug resistant, but thankfully, there are many types of HIV medication that can help you become undetectable. Your health care provider will help you come up with a treatment plan that works for you.

What happens if I forget to take my HIV meds?

When you don’t take your meds regularly, your viral load increases. This jeopardizes your health and heightens the risk of transmitting the virus through sex. That’s why adherence to HIV treatment is so important.

How often do I need to have my viral load checked?

U=U requires regular testing to make sure your HIV is still undetectable. Quarterly medical visits are recommended for viral load testing as well as STI testing – especially if your partner and you have other sexual partners.

How is U=U helping to reduce HIV stigma and discrimination?

U=U has helped many PLWH and their lovers, friends, and family better understand that with effective HIV treatment, it is possible to enjoy long and healthy lives without the fear of passing on the virus to others. PLWH feel more encouraged to start and stay in treatment, and to cultivate more active sexual and social lives. Similarly, HIV negative feel less afraid or anxious about engaging sexually or socially with PLWH.

If my HIV is undetectable and my partner is HIV negative, is it still necessary to use condoms?

A combination of PrEP and condoms will provide maximum protection. While PrEP protects HIV negative people from getting the virus, using condoms is recommended to prevent STIs (sexually transmitted infections) like gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia. Always discuss your preferred means of protection with your partner.

RESOURCES
(FOR MORE INFO AND SERVICES)

AWARE Home STI Test Kit

Visit awarehometest.com to order a FREE confidential, accurate home STI test kit.

Ryan White Part A Program

For more information on the services provided through the program, please visit www.ccbh.net/ryan-white

Ryan White Part A - Cleveland TGA Funded Providers (March 1, 2020 - February 28, 2021)

AIDS Healthcare Foundation

2829 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44103
(216) 621-0766 ext. 2911
M-F 9:00 - 5:00

Services Provided

Outpatient Ambulatory Health

AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland

2829 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44103
(216) 621-0766
M-F 9:00 - 5:00

Services Provided

Food Bank / Home Delivered Meals
Medical Transportation
Non-medical Case Management Services
Medical Case Management

The Centers

12201 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 721-4010

Services Provided

Early Intervention Services (EIS)
Emergency Financial Assistance
Medical Case Management
Oral Health Care
Outpatient Ambulatory Health

Cuyahoga County Department of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS)

13815 Kinsman Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44120
(216) 420-6750

Services Provided

Home and Community-Based Health
Home Health Care

Family Planning Services of Lorain County

602 Leona St.
Elyria, OH 44035
(440) 322-7526

Services Provided

Early Intervention Services (EIS)
Medical Transportation

Far West Center

29133 Health Campus Dr.
Westlake, OH 44145
(440) 835-6212

Services Provided

Mental Health Services

May Dugan Center

4115 Bridge Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 631-5800

Services Provided

Medical Transportation
Mental Health Services

Mercy Health

221 W. 21st St., Suite 1
Lorain, OH 33052
(440) 233-0138

Services Provided

Medical Case Management
Medical Transportation
Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services
Psychosocial Support Services

MetroHealth Medical Center
Division of Infectious Disease

2500 Metrohealth Dr.
Oncology Pavilion, Room 106
Cleveland, OH 44109
(216) 778-5551

Services Provided

Early Intervention Services (EIS)
Emergency Financial Assistance
Medical Case Management
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical Transportation
Mental Health Services
Oral Health Care
Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services
Psychosocial Support Services

Neighborhood Family Practice

4115 Bridge Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 281-0872
Hours vary by location

Services Provided

Emergency Financial Assistance
Medical Case Management
Medical Transportation
Mental Health Services
Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services

Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center

2226 West 89th St.
Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 651-8236
M-F 9:00 - 5:00

Services Provided

Food Bank / Home Delivered Meals
Medical Case Management
Medical Transportation
Non-medical Case Management Services
Other Professional Services

Signature Health

38882 Mentor Ave.
Willoughby, OH 44094
(440) 853-1501

Services Provided

Early Intervention Services (EIS)
Emergency Financial Assistance
Medical Case Management
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical Transportation
Mental Health Services
Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services
Psychosocial Support Services

University Hospitals of Cleveland
John T. Carey Special Immunology Unit Foley Building

2061 Cornell Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 844-7809

Services Provided

Financial Assistance

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Part A program works with providers to ensure HIV-related services are available for those who do not have sufficient health care coverage or financial resources for coping with HIV disease. Case Managers are also available to assist clients with medical and non-medical needs such as: Food, Housing, Mental Health, Medical Transportation, Oral Health, & Substance Abuse.

Prevention Access

To learn more about the U=U movement around the world.