Question
My viral load is increasing, is this a problem?
16 January 2018. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Changing treatment.
In September 2017 my viral load was 5768, its now 12679. Should be worried?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
If a person is on medication and they are adhering to their medication, their viral load usually becomes undetectable within three months. Once undetectable it should stay like this.
However, it is possible that some people will have problems with their medication and their viral loads will rebound. When this happens its common that people will need to change treatment.
As your viral load has been detectable for a long time, it is already likely that you might ve resistance to some of your meds.
The recent viral load increase might mean the resistance is getting worse.
In the UK, your treatment would have been changed earlier when your viral load did not become undetectable.
Please talk to your doctor about this. They should be able to talk about options for your next treatment, and perhaps to do a resistance test. This online guide has more information:
https://i-base.info/guides/changing
Hi Boi,
CD4 counts fluctuate all the time and can be affected by the flu. Viral loads rebounding are’t usually due to the flu, however this isn’t to say that, that couldn’t happen. Having your viral load monitored would be the best thing to do. If its continuing to go up, this would indicate that your treatment isn’t working like it should do.
Early January 2019 i just had the flu and i was very weak for 2-3 weeks. Then i had my tests done for viral load and cd4 count. When i got my results it my viral load went up to 330 from undetectable and my cd4 count went down from 268 to 213. Do i need to worry? My doctor told me that it might be i just had a flu. But i need a second opinion. I am taking my meds religiously.
Hi Pet,
If you’re taking your medication as prescribed, then there’s a possibility that you may have developed resistance to your medication. This is something that you’ll need to discuss with your doctor as you may need to change.
I am 32 weeks pregnant and my viral load has increased from 323 to 1700 and i am taking Odimune. Which treatment should i take. I dont want to put my child at risk of HIV. Please help.
Worried Pet.
Hi Ny,
It’s great that you’ve started HIV treatment (ART). However, some people can have side effects in the first couple of weeks. These are usually mild and then go away. Your symptoms have been reported when taking Odimune. But if they continue and don’t go away you can ask your doctor if you can change to other meds. Starting ART usually means that viral load goes down quickly at first and usually takes a few months to get to undetectable. Here’s a picture from the guide called ART in Pictures that shows how viral load goes down when starting ART. The CD4 count of 560 is strong and within the range for people who are HIV negative. Moxypen is an antibiotic and there’s no expected interaction with Odimune.
I’m having a viral load of 16.900 and a CD 4count of560.
Just started on odimune ,had side effects Of restlessness, nightmares in the 1st week. Still having some sleepless nights.
Will my viral load go down with my next test ?
Also had flu since it’s autumn,but treated it with moxypen.
Hi Benard,
A persons viral load is supposed to become undetectable within 3 months, though for some people this can sometimes take longer. You’re is however still high. This could be an indication that the treatment that you’re taking isn’t the right combination for you. Your doctor should ideally run some resistance tests.
If you are having problems, you may need to change to another combination.
Just to ask, you are adhering to your medication?
my viral is 39475 its now seven months since i started meds what am i supposed to do?
Hi Femi,
Has their been any change in your viral load? What meds were you originally taking? What have you know been prescribed. How’s your CD4 count?
Hello,
I have a viral load of 196,000.00.
Been having serious bowel movements/Chronic diarhea since last year consistently.
My doc recommended I move to 2nd line drugs 2 weeks ago and I have adhered to the drugs very well.
Problem is the bowel movements are getting worse and I was referred to a Haematologist for further review
Do I have to be scared?My weight loss has also been dramatic..over 15kg in a year