Question
How long will it take for my CD4 count to go back up?
26 May 2010. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV transmission, Starting treatment.
I have recently found out I am HIV positive. I am dealing with it OK. It helps that I have such a supportive family. I went to see my HIV Consultant for the first time about 3 weeks ago she gave me my CD4 count and viral load results.
My CD4 is 77 and viral load is 112,450. She has also said I’ve had it 5-10 years which has worried me. I’ve contacted a few people to tell them to get tested there test have come back clear.
My questions are:
If I have a high viral load isn’t there more chance of me passing it on? (I was the top in all off them)
I was with someone 7 years and their result is negative or so they say!! In all this time is there more chance I would of passed it on to them?
How long will it take for my CD4 count to go back up? I’m not on any drugs at the moment as I’ve been given some tablets to stop me getting infections. (Was given Cotrimoxazole but had to change to Dapsone as I had a reaction)
Is it likely my CD4 would of gone down since the last test? Am I likely to get any OIs (opportunistic infections)?
Sorry for all the questions, but these are what are playing on my mind at the moment.
Thank you in advance
Answer
Thank you for your question.
It is good to hear you are managing to deal with your new diagnosis and that you have a supportive family to help you through this difficult time.
The higher the viral load the more likely HIV is transmitted. That is why if your viral load is undetectable the risk of transmission is very low.
If you were having unprotected sex with your partner of 7 years and he is still HIV negative then he has been very lucky.
If you are not on HIV medication yet and your CD4 count is 77 then you should definitely think about starting in the next few weeks. Once you have started HIV treatment your viral load should go down to undetectable levels (less than 50) within 3 months and you should start to see your CD4 count increase. It often takes longer for CD4 counts to increase especially if they are starting off low. But the important thing when on treatment is to suppress the virus to the lowest levels possible.
It is possible that your CD4 count will have gone down slightly since your last appointment but CD4 counts can fluctuate slightly. For further information about CD4 fluctuations please follow this link to a similar question
If your CD4 count is below 200 then you are at risk of getting opportunistic infections.
For information about starting treatment, CD4 counts, viral loads and other important things related to having HIV please follow this link to the i-Base Introduction to Combination Therapy’ guide
Hi Moola,
I can’t say what’s causing your body to feel hot, and for it to not cool down. It could be ARV related, however, it could be something else. Therefore, please see a doctor about this.
Other than ARVs, (what are you taking?) are you on any other medication?
I tested positive for HIV, my CD4 was 116, I have been taking meds now for almost 3 months now but my Temp doesn’t cool down, I’m hot all the time until I take paracetamol. Will my temp be stable ?
Hi Zinhle,
The only thing that can help your HIV are ARVs. Boosters are of no use. Please see Q2 here:
http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
Therefore, it you want to control your HIV, then you need to be on meds.
Hi I’m 23, my CD4 is 639. I was on meds, but stopped taking them. Can I take a booster instead?
Hi Kate
Your CD4 count is already high enough for you to safely have a baby.
Also, you started treatment early enough for your viral load to become undetectable before the baby is due. Getting viral load is the best way to protect your baby.
You are doing everything you need to. Your baby is very likely to be fine. The meds are good for both of you :)
Simon
i was diagnosed with HIV when i was 20 weeks pregnant,n i have been taking odimune since then;I am now 21 weeks pregnant and got my blood test results this week,my CD4 count is 340 n i have been given ilivtrim
I know nothing about my viral load because they didn’t discuss it with me at the clinic;my question is how long will it take for my CD4 count to increase?does this mean am gonna transmit the virus to the baby or is the a chance that I’ll give birth to a HIV negative baby if my CD4 count increase?
Hi Ryan, thanks for your comment. Has your doctor talked about HIV meds? Because your CD4 count is so low, it is important to start HIV treatment very soon. Usually TB meds are started first but HIV meds should then come two weeks later.
You will need to take everything very carefully for the next few months – and talk to your docot if you get any other problems. As these treatment start to work, your appetite should get better. You will need to keep taking the antibiotics until your CD4 count get much higher. Please let me know what your doctor said about HIV treatment.
Also, did your doctor examine your eyes? This is also important.
Hi..I have been diagnosed as an HIV positive 2nd week of this month. My CD4 count falls at 11. The doctor prescribed me 2 tablets of antibiotic and anti-tuberculosis medicine.. My question is, is it normal that I don’t have appetite? Or maybe it is because of the antibiotics? I miss eating a lot of food. THANKS for the response.
Hi Suresh,
This is a service for people who are living with HIV. Are you HIV positive?
Before I had have gonorrhea I took treatment for a month. I have joint pain and my tongue is strange.