Several factors can influence viral load, including:
Immune System Health: A compromised immune system, as seen in conditions like HIV/AIDS, can lead to higher viral loads. Stage of Infection: Infections often have higher viral loads during the initial and late stages. Treatment Compliance: Adherence to prescribed antiviral medications is critical for maintaining low viral loads. Co-infections: The presence of other infections can affect viral load. For example, an HIV-positive individual co-infected with another sexually transmitted infection (STI) may have a higher viral load.