Question
Just diagnosed with HIV and TB and my CD4 count is 125…
3 June 2016. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed, Opportunistic infections, Southern Africa, Starting treatment, TB.
I have just been diagnosed with HIV with CD4 count 125 and I have symptoms of TB.
What is the worst that can happen when I start taking meds?
Answer
Hi
Thanks for your question.
How are you managing with this information? Although it is difficult to find out you re positive, it is good you were in time to be able to benefit from treatment.
The TB meds will probably be given first. They start to work quickly and you should be feeling better within a few weeks. It is essential that you continue taking the full course of TB meds.
HIV meds – called ART – are usually started a couple of weeks later, These meds will enable you immune system – (ie your CD4 count) to also start to get stronger.
The advantages of both meds are much more important than the small risk of side effects, which are usually easy to manage.
Please talk to your doctor about any questions you have. Lost of other people have been in your situation so you are not on your own.
The Treatment Action Campaign in SA is a source of lots of good information and support.
www.tac.org.za
Further info
TB and HIV coinfection (from the i-Base training manual)
https://i-base.info/ttfa/5-ois-and-coinfections/7-tuberculosis-tb
UK (BHIVA) guidelines on HIV and TB coinfection.
https://www.bhiva.org/TB-guidelines
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