Indirizzo: Via Portuense, 292 - Roma Telefono: +39 06.55170.1 P.IVA: 05080991002
Indirizzo: Via Portuense, 292 - Roma Telefono: +39 06.55170.1 P.IVA: 05080991002
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There is a life-changing message: U=U. It stands for "Undetectable = Untransmittable". If you adhere properly to therapy and your blood viral load drops to undetectable levels, you do not transmit HIV through sexual activity. This is a true, solid fact, and it can provide you with great peace of mind.
With antiretroviral therapy taken daily, the viral load can become so low that it is not detectable by tests: this is called undetectable. To talk about U=U, it is important that this condition remains stable over time (usually after several months of continuous therapy). Your doctor will confirm the result through regular check-ups.
• More peaceful couple life. When you are consistently "undetectable," you do not transmit HIV through sexual activity. You can decide together with your partner how to manage your intimacy, also consulting your infectious disease specialist.
• Less fear. Knowing that you are not contagious during sexual activity helps reduce anxiety, guilt, and stigma.
• U=U makes it easier to discuss pregnancy and the desire to have children (you will find the details in article 7).
U=U concerns sexual transmission. It does not apply to:
• breastfeeding (the virus can be present in breast milk);
• sharing needles or syringes;
• situations involving direct contact with blood.
For these situations, the specific preventive measures always apply.
• Daily adherence. Take your medication every day at the same time. Use reminders, pill organizers, or phone alarms.
• Do not stop on your own. If you experience side effects or difficulties, discuss them immediately with your doctor: often it is enough to adjust or change the therapy.
• Be aware of interactions. Always inform your doctor about supplements, herbal products, or new medications you are taking.
• Regular check-ups. Your viral load and CD4 count show whether everything is progressing well. Bring your questions to the appointment: it helps you feel actively involved in your care.
• Supplies and travel. Keep a reserve of medication and plan in advance for prescriptions and pick-up at the pharmacy or hospital.
In summary:
• With well-managed therapy, you can become undetectable.
• U=U: you do not transmit HIV through sexual activity when you remain undetectable.
• Condoms are still useful for other infections and for contraception.
• Adherence, communication with your doctors, and regular check-ups help you stay healthy and at ease.
References
HIV e AIDS – Salute Lazio. (n.d.). https://www.salutelazio.it/hiv-e-aids
How we will try to contact you
We will call you from a national landline number that starts with:
0655170 [...]
It is very important to answer: we are trying to get in touch with you!
How you can contact APC Immuno
To contact APC Immuno directly, please call the following number:
0655170333
We will answer from Mon to Sat from 11:00 to 13:00 compatibly with clinical needs.
For any clinical need it is always better to speak directly with the APC Immuno Staff. o clarify doubts of organizational nature you can send an email to apcimmuno@inmi.it. Do not use the email for clinical questions! We might not answer your question immediately!
How you can contact UOS Counseling, HIV and STI Testing and Prophylaxis
To contact UOS Counseling, HIV and STI Testing and Prophylaxis directly call the number
0655170620
What to always bring with you
• Health Insurance Card
• Valid identification document
• Exemption card for pathology 020.042 or other valid exemption
⚠️ ATTENTION: If you do not have a health insurance card you will have to go with a valid identification document to the CUP for the issuance or renewal of theSTP/ENI and sign, if you meet the requirements, the certificate of indigence, which must be renewed every 6 months, like the STP/ENI. In this way you will be able to benefit from the X01 exemption. Afterwards, you will still have to go to your local ASL with the pathology certificate to obtain the pathology exemption.
Important note on consent to care and participation in research studies
Upon your arrival at Spallanzani you will be asked to sign a document regarding consent to care. It is possible that during a medical visit you will be asked to also sign further consents for participation in clinical and research studies.
Spallanzani, as a Research Institute,participates in numerous clinical studies.
Your possible support is precious to improve care pathways and contribute to the progress of HIV research.
Participation in studies is always voluntary, free, and independent from the care pathway. The Doctor will explain to you in a clear and simple way the contents of the proposed study, which is always approved by the Ethics Committee, guarantees privacy according to current regulations, and from which you can withdraw at any time.
Please contact the information desk: The Nursing Staff will assess the situation and, if necessary, help you schedule an appointment for a medical consultation.
You can access them through the Electronic Health Record (if you have SPID or CIE), or by using the link provided by the CUP staff when you undergo the blood draw.
Please email prenotazioni.spallanzani@inmi.it no later than two days before the scheduled date to reschedule the appointment.
Many procedures can be performed at our hospital. However, some must be scheduled through the Regional CUP number at 069939.
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