viral load

American  

[vahy-ruhl lohd] / ˈvaɪ rəl ˈloʊd /

noun

Pathology.

1. the amount or concentration of a virus in a given quantity of blood, saliva, mucus, or other bodily fluid, often expressed as the number of viral particles per milliliter of the fluid: The droplets from a flu-infected person’s sneeze leave their viral load on whatever surface they land on.

   When HIV treatment is effective, the viral load in the blood becomes undetectable.

   The droplets from a flu-infected person’s sneeze leave their viral load on whatever surface they land on.

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viral load Scientific  

/ vī′rəl /

1. The concentration of a virus, such as HIV, in the blood.

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Etymology

Origin of viral load

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The patient was in a "stable condition" and their viral load was "very low", the ministry added.

From Barron's • Jun. 24, 2026

Further testing suggested she had a high viral load of a novel influenza A infection, which researchers eventually discovered to be avian flu caused by the H5N1 virus.

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2025

Three days later, viewed under a microscope, the nasal epithelial cells - as they are known - taken from children were quick to defend against the virus and reduce viral load.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2024

But some people, known as "post-treatment controllers," have been able to discontinue their treatment while maintaining an undetectable viral load for several years.

From Science Daily • Jan. 23, 2024

In fact, some studies suggest that peak viral load may now actually be around five days after symptoms start, meaning that following CDC guidelines, isolation could end right when people are shedding the most.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2024