Question
My CD4 count is 261…
26 July 2023. Related: Adherence, All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed.
Hi, hope you’re good.
I just got back my blood test results and they came back with a CD4 count of 261. I’m a newly diagnosed patient. Do I need to worry? I take my meds every night at 9pm.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
Do you know your viral load? and are you on any other medication? Usually with a lower CD4 count people are given an antibiotic. This is often called co-trimoxazole. It is used to prevent other infections as your immune system recovers.
A CD4 count of 261 is a little low but as you are on treatment it will be able to recover over time. Being recently diagnosed means this result is expected and at your next test it should go up. Unlike viral load which changes quickly, it takes time for your CD4 count to recover fully but this is normal.
Continuing to take your meds every day is the best way to help recover your CD4 count. Doing this means you do not need to worry.
Josh.
I’m sorry to hear your newly diagnosed I’ll remember the feeling 10 months ago when I was it still gets to me sometime but I’m sure we will be okay