How is my CD4 count related to my health?

A low CD4 count is closely related to your overall health.

However, if your CD4 count is over 500 or even over 350, HIV is unlikely to cause any health problems.

Your first CD4 result will show whether HIV has already affected your immune system.

Above 500

The risk of HIV-related problems is very low. Even when this high though ART can still reduce the risk of serious complications.

At 350 to 500

You still have a very good immune system but still are at higher risk of TB.

At 200 to 350

It your CD4 count is below 350, the risk increase for skin or digestion problems.

Below 200

Below 200 you need to take antibiotics to reduce the risk of a pneumonia called PCP.

Below 100 there is a higher risk of other very serious illnesses.

Below 50 the risks are higher still. These include from a virus called CMV that causes permanent sight loss. A CD4 count this low requires special eye checks.

Other health complications

Having a low CD4 count can make COVID-19 more serious.

A very low CD4 count can also make mpox much more serious. The more severe cases of mpox that involved hospitalisation and death were people with HIV and very low CD4 counts.

Many vaccines need a strong CD4 count to work properly,

After starting ART

After starting ART, your CD4 count should steadily start to recover,

This is because reducing HIV to undetectable levels lets your immun system become stronger again.

Last updated: 1 November 2024.