Question
Does having a low CD4 count mean I will get OIs?
28 February 2012. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Starting treatment.
My CD4 count was at 4, when I started Atripla 17 days ago. Will this low count affect the effectiveness of the meds? And does this count mean I have AIDS? I have no sides effects and i feel better already.
Answer
Although you started your treatment with a low CD4 count, there is still a very good chance that the HIV meds will work really well.
There are a few differences from starting treatment this late. One is that you are making the drugs work harder, so the increase in your CD4 count is likely to be slow and steady. Also, because you started with such a low CD4 count, it will be more difficult to get back to very high levels.
Luckily, your risk of OIs is generally lower once someone starts treatment than a similar CD4 count in someone not on treatment.
For the first few months of treatment you will also be monitored carefully, This is because starting this low can uncover infections that your immune system was previously too weak to fight. This is called IRIS – short for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.
These IRIS infections are usually easy to treat.
You mentioned that you are already feeling a lot better – this is a good indication that the treatment is working properly for you.
Please see this ‘Introduction to combination therapy’ and this guide to side effects for more information.
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