Question

Will my friend survive?

26 May 2011. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, Living with HIV long-term, Starting treatment, Support.

Hi

I have a friend who is very sick and his CD4 count is only 3, will he survive?

Thanks

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

Your friend will survive providing they get treatment for HIV immediately. People have survived with CD4 counts lower than 3 and are today well and healthy and happy.

Once your friend starts treatment and their immune system and CD4 count increases they might start to feel more ill as their immune system will be recognising underlying infections. However, these underlying infections can also be treated. This situation is called Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) and more information can be found here.

For more information about HIV treatment, you and your friend should download and read the guidebook ‘Introduction to Combination Therapy‘. That way you can support your friend as he/she begins treatment.