Poz and neg - meaning and definition
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Definition
Shorthand for HIV status: "poz" means HIV-positive and "neg" means HIV-negative. Profiles often add "undetectable" or "on PrEP".
At a glance
- 'Poz' means HIV-positive and 'neg' means HIV-negative.
- 'Poz, undetectable' means living with HIV and on effective treatment.
- 'Neg on PrEP' means HIV-negative and taking medication to prevent HIV.
- An undetectable viral load means HIV is not passed on through sex (U=U).
- 'Poz friendly' signals someone is informed and welcoming.
In detail
Many dating apps let users share their HIV status and prevention method. "Poz, undetectable" means the person is living with HIV and on effective treatment; "neg on PrEP" means HIV-negative and taking medication to prevent HIV.
Science has changed what these labels mean in practice: a person with an undetectable viral load does not pass HIV on through sex (U=U), and PrEP is highly effective. "Poz friendly" signals someone is informed and welcoming.
In a sentence
- Neg on PrEP, tested every three months, poz friendly.
- Poz and undetectable for years, happy to answer questions if you're curious.
Common questions
What does 'poz undetectable' mean?
The person is living with HIV and their treatment keeps the virus at levels too low to be detected by standard tests. At that level, HIV is not passed on through sex, a fact summed up as U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable).
What does 'poz friendly' mean on a profile?
It signals that the person is informed about HIV and happy to date people living with it. For questions about your own prevention options, such as PrEP, a sexual health clinic can help.