[_6hmp]

it's defense in depth.

if someone has HIV, they can be treated and if they are consistent with treatment they can have such a low (undetectable) viral load that it is not transmittable. (aka U=U)

additionally, high risk populations (transactional sex, msm, intravenous drug users) can take the same drugs and be protected from the virus. (aka PREP)

also people with known exposures or likely exposures can have post exposure prophylaxis with the same drugs (e.g. in the case of an accidental needle stick in a healthcare worker).

These defenses have already radically slowed the spread and increased the lifespan and quality of life of those who become HIV positive.

Now we will hopefully have a an additional defense that will be even easier (no daily dosing required for negative at-risk population) and probably much more broadly administered.

I love the progress we are making with vaccines.