Q and A

Question

If my CD4 count is 1295, does it mean I no longer have HIV?

I am HIV positive. My first CD4 count was 685 and then it went up to 1295 does that mean I am healthy and is the virus cleared in my body?

Answer

Thank you for your question.

A CD4 count of 1295 is fantastic! However, unfortunately it does not mean HIV is cleared from your body. CD4 counts do fluctuate up and down. It could also be that you were recently infected and your CD4 count is increasing after the initial infection. For more information please follow this link.

The good news is that your immune system is very good as your CD4 count is so high.

What is your viral load result? Usually this would be detectable, even with a high CD4 count, though a small percentage of people (less than 0.01%) maintain a high CD4 count and undetectable viral load, without needing HIV treatment.

213 comments

  1. Nonthando

    Hi I wanted to know if I am doing well my cd4 is 778 and viral load is 0,500 what does all of this mean?

  2. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Sheron.

    There’s been a slight rise in your viral load. Are you able to have this checked?

  3. Sheron

    Good day,

    I was diognised with HIV on 1998 but i started treatment 2017 when my CD4 count was 320 and viral load was 10000 copies. I then tested again on May 2018 were CD4 count was 350 and viral laod was 64. I tested again on November 2018 were by the CD4 cound was 412 viral load was 94. Is it good or bad.

  4. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Zane,

    A CD4 count of 1189 is high, its well within the range that it should be.

  5. Zane

    hi I have been living wiith HIV for over 7 years now and my CD4 count is 1189. What does this mean?

  6. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Vuyiswa,

    Please see here for info about CD4 counts http://i-base.info/cd4-count/ Are you on medication?

  7. Vuyiswa

    Hai Guys

    Can someone tell me what my cd4 count should be if I am HIV positive, because mine was 250 when diagnosed of HIV.

    Thanks

  8. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Grace,

    Please see Q10 herehttp://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
    I hope that there will be a cure in the future, but I really cannot say when, or if this is going to happen.

  9. Grace

    I am 21 I started taking ARVs this year on June…What can be my predicted life expectancy?Will be permanent cure for people living with HIV in future?

  10. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Siphesihle,
    Please talk to your doctor about it. Some people find the side effects are severe. But if that happens it’s a good idea to talk to the doctor about changing meds, rather than stop. You can ask your doctor to check your CD4 count and viral load and start again with different meds.

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