Question
My CD4 is 650, do I have AIDS?
21 February 2017. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed.
I’ve recently been diagnosed HIV positive with a CD4 count of 650. Does this mean I have AIDS, am I an AIDS patient?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
With a CD4 of 650 neither do you have AIDS, and nor are you an AIDS patient. You have HIV. The difference between AIDS and HIV is discussed here:
https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/what-is-hiv-aids/
A CD4 of 650 is good. Do you know your viral load? Have you also been advised to start treatment? Importantly how are you coping with your diagnoses, are you able to get any support?
Hi Venkat,
In the US if a person has a CD4 of less than 200 this would be classified as having AIDS. In the UK and the rest of Europe, it isn’t something that is commonly used.
http://i-base.info/qa/3913
Does having a CD4 of less than 200 mean a person has AIDS?
Hi Venkat,
What your doctor has told you is true. HIV medication is excellent and for many people being HIV positive isn’t a problem. This is because its a very manageable health condition. Beginning ART is a good thing.
I can’t comment on how you contracted HIV, only you will know this. What’s important is that you know.
I didn’t have viral load test yet . I was diagnosed HIV through Elisa regular health check up and follow confirmatory western blot . Before two years I was HIV negative through regular check up but, now positive. In this 2 years I don’t have any external affairs .
My doc told this disease now has advanced medicine so don’t worry, it is not problem. I didn’t yet start on my ART .