Reinfection question

[konpisces]

Hello Again!

Labs after 4 months, (still) undetectable, thankfully liver, kidney and other indicators are OK. But i accidentally missed a dose and realized it in the following day...
Will see the doctor again in 6months. I'm on a much better mood now, I feel somehow as if I have had it for ages now and it doesn't "impress" me that much when I think about it..

I have a question regarding potential re-exposure to HIV. We hear about U=U (that should work after 6 months of being undetectable) and that we cannot pass on the virus to others, but what about us? What if a potential partner has HIV and doesn't know about it? Will we not be re-exposed (if having unsafe sex)? Can we be ever sure that they will not have a "super" strain that is somehow resistant to our ART regime?

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

  Glad to hear that you are doing better and your labs are looking good.

Regarding superinfection or reinfection, we have a few threads on this topic within the "Prevention" section

https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=65688
https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=71800
https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=72283
https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=74805

What if a potential partner has HIV and doesn't know about it? Will we not be re-exposed (if having unsafe sex)? Can we be ever sure that they will not have a "super" strain that is somehow resistant to our ART regime?

You are taking Genvoya correct?

Can you be 100% sure? No, however, HIV Superinfection would be rare enough, and your meds would work as PrEP. PrEP has shown to have near 99% effectiveness, not to mention you are taking more meds than there are in PrEP.  PrEP fails when the levels were high (i.e the person was taking the meds) is extremely rare.

A more realistic concern would be co-infection with another STI. So consider condoms to reduce your risks, ask your doctor about getting vaccinated against STIs like HPV & Hepatitis B and test out of routine at least yearly for STIs.

Best, Jim

[konpisces]

Thank you Jim for your prompt answer! Correct, I am taking Genvoya. Obviously the STI risk is always there. Already vaccinated for HepB and have strong antibodies as per my latest test. Regarding HPV, until which age could someone be vaccinated? isn't there a limit?

[Jim Allen]

The updated guidelines from 2018 onwards included that the HPV vaccine is approved for both men & women up to the age of 45.

Although getting the HPV vaccine depends on the region you are in and the current supply, some areas still only give up to the age of 26. That said, it's worth asking about the next time you talk to your healthcare provider.

[Jim Allen]

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/recommendations.html

Above is some updated information from the CDC on that vaccine.

BTW - I forgot to mention that I moved your post to the "Prevention" section given the nature of the question and people that are allowed to answer them.

Best, Jim.