Question
My CD4 count is fluctuating?
25 September 2023. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Hi, I just received my CD4 result today and still waiting for my viral load result by the end of the week.
I’ve diagnosed in October 2022 and done 4 tests including the latest one. I was undetectable from the second test and CD4 was 571. The last time I test which is on March 2022 my CD4 increased to 992 and undetectable viral load. And the latest one is September 2023, it dropped to 678. To me this is a significant drop in CD4, should I be worried that it could affect the viral load test. I received my CD4 first and it has a negative effect on my mental health. What should I be worried? Thank you so much
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
It is great to hear that you are undetectable. This shows that your treatment is working.
You still have a CD4 count in a healthy range. Even with this apparent drop your CD4 count shows you still have a healthy immune system.
Have you been told your CD4%? This is a more accurate measure of your CD4 health than the actual number. This is because the number can change by the time of the day you take the test, if you have exercised and if you have had a recent infection/vaccine.
These reasons can cause apparent large changes in CD4 count but this will fluctuate much less when you look at your CD4%.
As you are undetectable it means that HIV is no longer having an effect on your immune system. This suggests that your CD4 count is not being damaged and instead it is because the absolute number has randomly fluctuated – this can be normal.
Josh.
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