Question

How can someone with a low CD4 prevent opportunistic infections?

21 April 2011. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Opportunistic infections, Starting treatment, Supplements and herbs, Support.

How can a person with low CD4 count and who already had an opportunistic disease (pnuemonia) reduce risks of falling sick again?

I heard about ‘Isoniazid preventive therapy’ what is it exactly?

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

Isoniazid is a treatment for TB. It can be taken as prevention but this is not commonly done anymore due to resistance. In some countries Septrin  (co-trimoxazole) is given as a prophylaxis against pneumonia and other opportunistic infections in people with a CD4 count below 200. This does not interact with HIV treatment.

Aside from treatment, eating a healthy balanced diet, getting some exercise if possible, sleeping well, not smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation can all help.