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 Tete,
If you’ve been on ARVs since January its highly likely that your viral load will now be undetectable. However, to know this for sure, you will need to have this tested.
A CD4 count can’t tell you what your viral load is.
In areas of the world where TB is common, its normal to give people who are living with HIV TB meds.
Hey, I tested HIV positive after I was admitted to hospital in January because I had and appendix. My CD4 was 380 , I wasn’t told about my viral load and I was given TB Meds without any tests. So my question is, if my CD4 was 380, approximately what is my viral load or is it undetectable or detectable.
Hi Emily,
If you’ve had the flu for some time, its important that you go and see your doctor. They may be able to give you something for it. What’s important to understand is that it could have nothing to do with your HIV.
hie..I tested HIV positive a month back and they didn’t have the machine for viral load my CD4 count was 327 I got flue. I have been taking benylin for flu. My flu is not getting any better….what am I suppose to take? I’m worried am on ARV.
Hi Lucy,
Its great to hear that you’re undetectable, this is really important. Because it means that your HIV is under control.
When you started meds, what was your CD4? If it was low, this could explain why it hasn’t gone above 300. If it wasn’t high, then its very possible that this is your normal CD4 count.
Other than ART, there isn’t anything that you can take to boost your CD4.
Hi, I have been on treatment for the past 5 years and have been positive for more than 10 years. My question is ever since I started treatment my viral load has always been undetectable, but my cd4 count is less than 300. It has never gone higher than that, but my viral load as I said is undetectable. What does it mean and how can I increase my CD4? I don’t drink or smoke. Eat healthy. Drink lots and lots of water. Please help. Thanks
Hi Valma,
Its good to hear that you’re now in good health. I am though sorry to hear about how you contracted HIV.
Have you had a flu vaccination? If not, please talk to your doctor about this. You will also need to talk to them about bronchitis.
Hi,I’ve been on ARVS since 2014, after being sexually molested a year prior to me discovering my status.my CD count is 354 viral load 116. I had abdominal TB 2 years ago,but in good health. I lost 30 KGS 2 years ago and gained it all back!my question is..winter I get severe flu and bronchitis, what type of vitamins do you suggest I take to boost my immune system regards
Hi keedyboo.
I’m really sorry, but PML is one of the most difficult to treat opportunistic infections that someone with HIV can acquire. And the outcomes as the following links discuss can be non-favorable for the patient.
http://i-base.info/htb/27440
http://i-base.info/htb/2656
I can’t say what’s going to happen to your fiance’ because i-base advocates aren’t medical doctors. The doctor that he has, is he a specialist in PML and HIV?
Hi, my fiance’ is currently hospitalized with PML and is basically mentally disabled now. When we first recognized his altered mental status, his CD4 count was 10 and he had an all over skin rash. He was admitted into the hospital 2/2 and started treatment 2/4 Genvoya. Is there any hope for him to ever get back to normal? He stopped talking, doesn’t walk, just stares off and moves very slowly, doesn’t eat enough and has to get a feeding tube now, and skin is still dry and flaky. His last blood test showed CD4 count went up to 44 since he’s been on treatment but he is still altered. The dr says he may only last 12-17 months but its his age that might allow that length of time. He is 33 yrs old and no other health issues other than this. His viral load before treatment was 1.4 mil. Any hope?