ARVs reduce the viral load, the amount of virus in your bloodstream, but are not a cure. A blood test measures the viral load. People with undetectable viral loads stay healthier longer. They are also less likely to transmit HIV infection to others.

• Some people’s viral load is so low that it is “undetectable” by the viral load test. This does not mean that all the virus is gone, and it does not mean a person is cured of HIV infection.