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
Some vitamins, herbs and supplements can interact with HIV treatment. You can talk to your doctor about what HIV meds you are taking, and if there could be an interaction with them.
Once your are on HIV treatment (ART) it usually takes 3 – 6 months to become undetectable. A viral load of 1007 is low but it’s not undetectable yet. But, as this is your first VL result, you can ask your doctor to monitor this while you’re starting treatment.
Today I got my CD4 & viral load test report (second time tested). My result is CD4 count 390 while VL is 1007 (blood taken 22 Jun 2016). This result show a slight increased of my CD4 (previously 230 during my first blood tested on Jan 2016, however my VL was no tested during my first blood test). Therefore I do not know whether is my VL decreased or otherwise.
During my second blood test on Jun 2016, I have been taking whey protein and multivitamin for quite some time. Will this supplements interact with my HAART? I started my HAART on mid of Feb 2016.
I am worried whey protein might causing my VL stil high.
Hi yes i defalfted my arv for let me sa a year n took it back now taking it is da dr say i react slow i have not been having sex since is de a need for me to take drug test for a
Hi, Was there a reason why you stopped taking your ARVs? Was it because of side effects or for other reasons?
However, if you stopped taking ARVs for a year there is a risk of drug resistance. That means the drugs you were taking might not work against HIV any more. So there is a need for a drug resistance test. Did the doctor give you different drugs this time?
You can ask the doctor or clinic to test for resistance and change ARVs depending on the result. It’s important that you find a combination that suits you and that fits in with your schedule.
What can you do to get CD4 count up
The way to get your CD4 count to go up is to make sure you’re on HIV meds and that you have an undetectable viral load.
Once your viral load is undetectable your CD4 count can recover, and it will go up. Starting HIV meds makes your viral load drop quickly. But your CD4 count usually recovers slowly.
Hi, It’s great news that you have an undetectable viral load. This means your HIV meds are working, and that can keep you healthy and protect your baby’s health.
However, CD4 counts go up and down, and this would happen even if you’re HIV negative. CD4 counts can change from morning to night too, and they can change if you have a cold or flu – but the important result is your viral load.
You can find out more about CD4 counts from these frequently asked questions:
http://i-base.info/qa/cd4-faqs
Hi I’m HIV + and when I was 3 months pregnant my CD4 count was 248. I delivered the baby and 2 months after my CD4 count dropped to 138 and undetectable viral load. I never miss a pill so I’m worried why CD4 dropped instead of increased?
Hi Nathan
If you are on treatment with an undetectable viral load – please see these links about the PARTNER study that report how low the risk is.
http://i-base.info/htb/30108
and
http://i-base.info/qa-on-the-partner-study/
I also wanted to mention that I am married and I have been married to my wife since 2010. We both have a latex allergy so we don’t use condoms. She is HIV Negative and she does test every year. Just wanted everyone to know that just because your HIV + doesn’t mean that you will pass it on to your partner especially if your on medication and your viral loads are undetectable.