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. geminik

    I’ve just been recently diagnosed with hiv, my cd4 count is 1752. I’m 20 weeks pregnant and my doctor prescribed aluvia tab and aspen lamzid. I desperately want my baby to be born hiv neg and wonder if those tabs will guarantee that. How can I increase my cd4 count. My boyfriend has never tested for hiv and i’ve always been the one doing the tests though he is a cheater. Told him about my diagnosis and now he knows he has to test as he knows i’ve always been Faithfull and he is the one who has a roving eye. Does this mean we have to use protection to prevent reinfection.

  2. Simon Collins

    Hi Sunet, you did not say whether or not you are on HIV treatment (ART). If not, then although your CD4 count is still okay, it is definitely a good time to talk to your doctor about starting. Guidelines have changed a lot over 13 years and treatment is now recommended for everyone. Having a viral load over 100,000 is an especially important reason to start. If you are already on treatment, then please talk to your doctor about changing to a new combination. With viral load this high you are likely to already have drug resistance to your meds.

  3. Sunet

    Hi!I am Hiv Positive for 13 years i am still feeling healthy but my Cd4 count is 369 and my Viral load is 153000 must i be worried or not.Please help.Thanx.

  4. Simon Collins

    Hi Pradeep, these are questions you need to ask your doctor. Even small babies can do very well but the doctor needs to give you best advice on how to do this.

  5. pradeep

    Am Pradeep Indian I have 2babys 5year my baby’s are so small how long I will live

  6. Simon Collins

    Hi Bola

    Your CD4 count is very good. At some point you will need to start treatment (ART). This is the only way to increase your CD4 count. Many countries recommend ART now, even with a high CD4 count. Others might still want you to wait until the CD4 count drops below 500.

    Although food and lifestyle changes cannot increase your CD4 count, these are still good for your general health.

    For example:
    – Eat a balanced and nutritious diet.
    – If you are a smoker, find a way to cut down and then stop.
    – Keep mentally and physically active – good for your body and mind.
    – Find ways to reduce stress and stressful situations.

    Then when you start ART you will have a great quality of life to go with it.

  7. Bola

    Hello, i’m Hiv positive and my CD4 is 619. what are the things i can eat or do to make my CD4 increase?

  8. Simon Collins

    Hi Obakeng, sure, lots of people in your situation are starting a family. With undetectable viral load you can conceive naturally without your partner being at risk. Talk to you doctor though and see the information at this link:
    http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/what-to-do-when-one-partner-is-hiv-positive-and-the-other-is-hiv-negative

  9. obakeng

    hello i am hiv positive my boyfriend is negative, so he want a baby. My cd4 count is 1100, my viral load is good, can we have a baby? Pls answ on my email

  10. Simon Collins

    Hi Ady, this risk is likely to be low. Please see:
    http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

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