Question

How dangerous is it to not be on treatment with a CD4 count of 154?

15 September 2014. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Opportunistic infections, Side effects, Starting treatment.

My CD4 count is 154 and i am not taking treatment. How dangerous is it to not be taking treatment yet?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi

Thanks for your question which is important.

I guess from the way you ask the question that you know already that this is dangerous.

This link has information about the risk of infection and other complications as your CD4 count goes below 350.

As you are already below 350, it is just luck that you haven’t become more sick already. Not being on treatment also makes it steadily more difficult for your CD4 count to get back to normal levels.

If you do become sick before starting treatment, the meds to treat these infections are much more difficult to take than ARVs.

I was wondering why you are waiting so long and why you are putting this off?

Although most people worry about starting treatment, nearly everyone finds it much easier than they expected. Most people then get upset that they waited so long.

This guide could perhaps answer some other questions you may have:
Introductions to Combination Therapy

Although many people still put off treatment, this is a very old-fashioned approach to treatment. Because the drugs are no much easier and more effective, for the last few years people have been more concerned about not getting on treatment :)