Sample workshop course structure

4 January 2013. Related: Advocates, News.

Session 2: All about the CD4 count

This session looked at all aspects of CD4 cells and CD4 test including why they are so important and how to interpret the results. The session was based on the questions below which came from the group at the start of the workshop.

1. I’ve just been diagnosed, why do I need to know my CD4 count?
2. What is a CD4 cell?
3. What do CD4 cells do?
4. How do CD4 cells relate to HIV?
5. Are CD4 cells only in our blood?
6. What is a CD4 count?
7. What measure is used for CD4 testing?
8. What is more important- CD4 or VL?
9. What is a normal CD4 count?
10. Can my CD4 count tell me when I was infected?
11. What happens when your CD4 count drops?
12. How does your CD4 count relate to your risk of getting ill?
13. Is it normal for the CD4 count to fluctuate
14. How often do I need to check my CD4 count
15. Can you increase your CD4 count without ARVs?
16. What CD4 count do people start treatment at?
17. Why are there different guidelines in different countries?
18. Does treatment work at any CD4 count?
19. What’s a CD4 %?
20. When is the CD4% used?
21. What if my CD4 count is low but my CD4% is high?
22. Why are CD4 counts different for children?
23. How quickly does your CD4 count drop without treatment?
24. How much does the CD4 increase on treatment?
25. Does everybody get back to a ‘normal’ CD4 count?
26. Can I stop treatment after my CD4 count increases?
27. What does it mean if your CD4 count drops when you’re on treatment?
28. Do CD4 counts increase for everyone on treatment?