U=U
Medical abbreviation · Infectious Disease
| Stands for | Undetectable equals untransmittable |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
U=U stands for Undetectable equals untransmittable, an infectious disease abbreviation.
Public health message, backed by large studies, that a person with HIV who keeps an undetectable viral load on treatment does not transmit the virus sexually. It reframes treatment as prevention and counters stigma.
Example: Patient counseled on U=U; viral load undetectable for over a year, partner may still choose PrEP.
Usage notes
The campaign was launched by the Prevention Access Campaign in 2016 and endorsed by the CDC in 2017. Evidence comes from the HPTN 052, PARTNER and Opposites Attract studies, which found no linked transmissions with suppressed viral loads. The principle applies to sex, not to breastfeeding, where some risk remains. Pronounced "U equals U".
Related abbreviations
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.