Question

What is my life expectancy?

25 October 2023. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Life expectancy, Newly diagnosed, Starting treatment.

Hello,

I have recently been diagnosed as HIV+.
I have young children and am really concerned about my life expectancy.

Are there any figures on expected life expectancy that I can use to potentially prepare life for my family.
I am due to start ART medication from tomorrow with a viral count of 140000 and a CD4 count of 130.

I am almost 44 years old and in general good health.

Answer

Answer: Josh Peasegood

Hi, how are you doing?

How have you been coping since testing positive?

Life expectancy for someone on treatment is the same, if not a little longer, than their HIV negative peers.

This is because after treatment starts to work and your viral load is suppressed (which can happen as quickly as a month) HIV will not longer have an effect on your body.

While your CD4 count is low have you also been offered an antibiotic called co-trimoxazole? This is a medication used to prevent other infections as your CD4 count recovers.

It is great that you are in good health. The reason people living with HIV sometimes are seen to have a slightly longer life expectancy is because they are more engaged with their own healthcare.

This means other illnesses/diseases can be picked up earlier e.g., cervical screening is increased to once yearly instead of every 3. Because of this you do not need to worry about your life expectancy being shortened. It is still the same as everybody elses.

Josh.