Today readers we are going to learn about Viral Luh-Ode.
Viral Load (Load) is a measurement of what amount of HIV is partying in a teaspoon of blood. This is one measurement that is key to understanding HIV progression and predicting when medications will be needed.
Over time the Load can remain constant until the immune system says "You know what. I'm TIIIIIIRED! I don't want to work on less than minimum wage just to keep your ass looking healthy. I don't get benefits. I don't get appreciated. You stick this holistic mumbo jumbo expectin' me to work magic. No way!"
At this point the Load increases and your immune system decreases and this is when you get your diagnosis of AIDS. Yes AIDS! Of course this is when you begin your medication and live out the rest of your life according to how the three sisters spin the threads of your fate. I hope their immune systems stay healthy and they continue to take their mydol otherwise someone is going to have a bad day!
Loads can fluctuate. Colds, recent vaccinations, infections, mensies, stress and other additional problems can all briefly raise the Load, returning a few weeks after the body stabilizes or at the end of infection. Even the lab you take your count at can vary in numbers because different machines are used for the same test.
Testing your Load should happen every 6-12 months, depending on what previous conditions you have (anemia or other factors may increase monitoring to every 3-6 months). Initially a test should be done, then followed up with another blood test 1-3 months after. This will help understand were the base of the load is going. (Typically referred to the baseline of the viral load!)
So let's go to numbers! Based upon the number of copies of HIV Load in your teaspoon of blood:
High is above 100,000
Low is under 10,000 to 100,000
Undetectable is 50
On average many people with a low viral load have one between 10,000 - 50,000.
Woman have a lower viral load than men so levels should be checked if they are in the 30,000 - 50,000 range.
What is undetectable?
A Load count 50 and below is considered undetectable. When you are on medication your Load count will be this low. 1% of the population has an immune system that naturally regulates HIV and suppress the virus down to undetectable.
Undetectable means that although transmission is possible, the rate of transmission is almost 0%. The lower the viral load, the lower the chance of transmission during the nasty.
Undetectable viral loads does not mean that their HIV is gone. HIV is there there but in a very Very small quantity.
Thebody.com is a wonderful resources for information on HIV.
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Are they seriously using teaspoon as the unit of measure? Who the fuck uses those shitty imperial units in science?
ReplyDeleteThis is a measurement used for common homosexuals. Everyone knows homosexuals use teaspoons for crack. This helps them understand the process of blood testing. Now you curiosity is put to rest next time you see a used teaspoon in the doctor's office.
ReplyDelete