Q and A

Question

Can my CD4 count indicate when I was infected?

I have just received my CD4 count which is 23. Can this help me know when I was infected?

Answer

Unfortunately, it is not possible to find out when you were infected using one CD4 test result alone. Single CD4 counts are not a reliable way to find out when someone was infected. This is because a normal CD4 count is different for everybody – with or without HIV.

The normal CD4 count range for CD4 counts without HIV is between 400-1600. A ‘normal’ CD4 count for an HIV-positive person is getting above 500. This is an ideal goal although many people remain well and healthy with CD4 counts that are below this.

In general though, CD4 counts tend to drop over time when someone is not on treatment.Although the rate at which they drop is different for each person. And this makes it even harder to estimate date of infection.

In your case, a CD4 count of 23 would indicate that your immune system is quite weak. The good news is that though, you have been caught in time. It means that you can start taking ARVs (antiretroviral treatment for HIV) to keep you well. Are you able to access ARVs? This is because, the treatment we now have for HIV is extremely effective even for people who start with a  CD4 count lower than 10.

Can I ask what your doctor has advised? Can I also ask if you know what your viral load is? This is because, even with a low CD4 count, if you start and follow your treatment carefully, you have a good chance that it will work. Your viral load will drop and your CD4 count will rise to safer levels.

Please follow this link to our guide which details the average CD4 increases by starting treatment.

In addition to ARVs, your doctor should also prescribe Septrin (also known as co-trimoxazole). This is an antibiotic which prevents you from getting illnesses such as pneumonia which can develop when your CD4 count is below 200.

You may find it helpful to read our guide to An introduction to combination therapy. It answers a lot of questions you may have around starting treatment.

It is not very clear from your question if you were recently diagnosed. If you were, then you may also find it helpful to contact other people living with HIV. Many find it useful to share experiences of living with HIV and coping with a new diagnosis.

FOPHAK – The Foundation of People Living with HIV in Kenya can put you in contact with support groups near you.

You can contact them via email on: fophak@yahoo.com or by calling: 00254202724703.

Best wishes.

32 comments

  1. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Theresa,

    The first thing to do is to have a confirmation test. You need to know what your status, more so if you are breastfeeding a child. Are you able to do this tomorrow?

  2. Theresa

    I very recently tested positive on the rapid tests n I fear to go for the confirmatory test.
    I have no idea what happened as I was only sleeping with one guy with whom we had tested negative at the beginning… Yes I have been pricked as a patient in hospitals quite often but I’m really scared and confused.
    I also have an 11month baby who is breast feeding.
    My questions are
    Should I just stop breast feeding and can I just buy some septrin and start taking?

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