Question
How long will it take for my CD4 count to recover?
27 March 2023. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed.
I have been on ARVs for 4 Months now and started out at 71 CD4 count. Can you estimate what my CD4 count could be now? I hear it’s difficult to achieve being undetectable, is this true?
Answer
Hi, how are you?
CD4 count recovery is slow. After 4 months your CD4 count will have increased but it is unlikely to be above 100.
It would be estimated to be between 80 and 90. This is because the body naturally recovers CD4 cells. Treatment does not directly increase your level of CD4 count.
It will continue to steadily increase over time but it is going to take time. Recovery from a CD4 count of 71 would be expected to happen in 2-3 years.
Being undetectable means your treatment suppressing viral load. It is not uncommon and most people will be undetectable within 3 months. It also depends on the test used e.g., a more sensitive could detect a viral load at a lower number. For this reason undetectable is considered any value below 200.
Josh.
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