Question
What are the effects of not taking ARVs if you are HIV-positive?
7 June 2011. Related: All topics, Opportunistic infections, Starting treatment.
Answer
In general, most people who do not use ARVs will slowly develop a weaker immune system.
This is shown by a CD4 count that drops. At counts below 200 the risk of serious illnesses increases.
Treatment is recommended ion most guidelines before the CD4 count drops below 350.
At higher CD4 counts, ARVs are not usually used.
Hi Portia, no these are not signs of HIV. For more information please see here: https://i-base.info/guides/testing/symptoms-and-seroconversion
Hi I’m portia, I tested last year may for my hiv together with my partner his results came positive and mine came negative but they told me to come after 3months to test again iwas so scared ever since I never get tested again but I experienced my toungue is sore and has some little sore pimples could that be signs?
Hi Zama, no it is not too late to start treatment. It is really great that she now wants to start. Has she had any recent tests for her CD4 count and viral load? Do you know why she has delayed starting her treatment?
Hy my mother found out that she is+ 2021 she hasn’t start to take ARVs,now she want to take them is it not too late for that?
hi Thonisani, it is great that you want to restart. Are you able to return to the clinic where you were receiving treatment from before?
Hi I have defaulted my treatment and it’s been two years now and I want to restart , I’m not ill and have noticed a gain in weight what should I do , where do I start
Hi Zanele, yes it is possible to continue with treatment. Are you able to go back to the same clinic which you were getting treatment from originally?
As you are restarting after a long period, it would be recommended to have a viral load test before and a few weeks/months after restarting. This would be to check that your treatment is still working.
I am HIV positive since 2004 and started medication on the same year of diagnosis, and I defaulted in 2021 during Covid. Now I feel like to continue with mediication. Is it still possible for me to contiinue.
Hi TZ I am sorry to hear about your husband passing. Had you noticed any changes with your weight while you were on treatment? and why have you decided to stop? How much weight have you lost? And do you know your current CD4 count? Losing weight after a loved one passes is not uncommon. This would be the most likely explanation for your weight loss.
Hi I have not been sexually active for the past 4 year’s and I then decided to stop talking my ARVs I would like to know ife loosing weight is it because of it or its just my stress since I have lost my husband 4 year’s ago