Question
What does a CD4 count of 106 mean?
24 July 2021. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Changing treatment, Starting treatment.
What is the meaning of 106 cells/uL for CD4 count. Is it too low?
Answer
Hi there,
Thanks for your question and for letting us answer online.
The CD4 count is a blood test that is used to monitor HIV infection.
Without HIV treatment (ART), the CD4 count goes down as HIV becomes more serious. With HIV treatment it should go up again to safer levels.
A CD4 count above 500 is considered “normal”.
A CD4 count below 350 shows HIV has damaged your immune system.
If the count is less than 200 your risk of serious infections becomes much higher.
Interpreting the results depends on whether or not you are taking ART.
- If you have just found out you are HIV positive, this means it is important to start ART.
- If you are already taking ART, then your CD4 count should be going up.
- If it is going down on ART, it shows you might need to change treatment.
The ART will let your CD4 count increase to safer levels.
Please let me know if you have more questions.
Much more detailed information is at these links.
What is a normal CD4 count?
https://i-base.info/qa/20
CD4 count as a marker of your immune system
https://i-base.info/ttfa/section-1/7-cd4-count-as-a-surrogate-marker/
Interpreting CD4 results: CD4 count and CD4 percentage
https://i-base.info/ttfa/section-1/9-interpreting-cd4-results-cd4-count-and-cd4-percentage/
Hi Jane,
What ARVs are you taking? If it’s a combination that contains efavirenz the side effects that you have are common. These should go within a few weeks.
Are you taking one of these meds? https://i-base.info/guides/1561
As you’re new to meds, please see here: https://i-base.info/guides/starting
This is my first week on ARV and I’m feeling dizzy, tired and nausea and Im taking them after my meals… But when I take it @night I still wake up dizzy and moody in the morning