Question
Am I progressing to AIDS?
11 January 2024. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed, Opportunistic infections.
I have a viral load of 10000. I recently started ART and my CD4/CD8 results just came. I have CD4 of 130, 16% and IgM positive for CMV. Am I progressing or am I AIDS?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
No. These results do not mean you are progressing to AIDS.
It is great that you have now started treatment. This will work to suppress HIV and allow your body to naturally recover it’s CD4 cells (immune system).
CMV is an opportunistic infection. Have you been offered treatment for this?
Having this infection does not mean you have AIDS. This is reversible with treatment and you are able to recover.
How long ago did you start your treatment? and do you know when you will be having follow up tests?
Josh.
Hi Recentlytested, it is great that you have tested undetectable for CMV and that you have started prophylaxis.
Unforuntately there is no good way to predict how quickly your CD4 count will increase or by how much each month.
Reamining on treatment and continuing with prophylaxis is the best way to let your CD4 count recover. It is often seen that people with a lower CD4 count will recover slower than someone with a higher one e.g., starting at a CD4 count of 100 will recover a lot slower than starting at 400. It can be though of as the recovery taking longer to kick in.
Have you been told to wear a mask by your doctor?
Thank you for your answer.
I recently got tested for CMV PCR and it turned out undetectable for now, so I don’t have to worry about that.
I started prophylaxis, as well as I’m on ky 13th day of HAART, my checkup is tomorrow, but I’m concerned about getting a diagnosis of AIDS and/or getting an opportunistic infection/cancer.
I know that CD4 count increase depends on people’s genetics and lifestyle and etc., but do we have any average number increase per months just to get out of my mind concerned about being sick or having to wear a mask all year?