Question
Will ARVs still work if my partner’s CD4 count is 75?
5 September 2011. Related: All topics, Opportunistic infections, Starting treatment.
My boyfriend just recently found out that his CD4 count is 75 and the doctor told him that it’s too late and that the ARVs might not work.
– How true is that?
– And could I be the cause of his breakdown because I have been on ARVs for the past 4 months and he didn’t want to take the pills and continued to have sex without the use of a condom.
– Now he blames me and says I’ll be the cause of his death. Am I really?
Answer
Thank you for your questions.
It is not too late for your boyfriend to start taking treatment. The doctor is not correct in saying this. Studies have shown that people can start taking treatments regardless of how low their CD4 count is. Majority of people starting treatment achieve an undetectable viral load within about 3 months.
According to studies, with a CD4 count of 75, it is possible that your boyfriend could have been positive for a few years already. He is therefore not accurate in saying that you will be the cause of his death.
Studies have also shown that with treatment, people living with HIV can expect to live long healthy lives. It is therefore recommended that your boyfriend starts taking treatment as soon as possible.
As your boyfriend’s CD4 count is below 200, he could benefit with taking septrin. Septrin is an antibiotic that will protect him from getting Opportunistic Infections. These are infections that a person with a CD4 count of below 200, could easily develop.
Hi Amogelang,
Yes, but it’s important to talk to your doctor about starting ARVs soon. A CD4 count of 33 is low and your doctor will want to make sure you don’t have other infections.
Starting HIV treatment (ART) with a low CD4 count means that other treatment, such as antibiotics, can be needed.
Please let us know what meds you will start with and how you get on.
Here’s an Introduction to ART.
Am i safe ti start arvs with immune systen of 33
Hi Priscilla,
It looks like Revive 39 contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids. But there are some vitamins that can interact with some HIV meds. So it’s recommended to take these at least 4 hours apart. What meds are you taking? How are your CD4 and viral load results?
Hi! Can a person with HIV drink Revive 39 ?
Hi Mamanfauzy,
Please discuss this with your child’s doctor. They will be able to advice you.
For how long should I continue giving my baby seftrin she is 7 month now
Hi Katelgo,
If your husband is aware of your status then its his responsibility to test.
hi am hiv positive I been have it for me 4 month and my husband didnot go to test so I am stress about it him
Hi Kim,
If its unclear if you’re positive or not, ask to have a viral load test done. This will show how much of the virus is in your blood, that is if you’re positive.
I was diagnose with hiv in 2013.I was not on any ARV meds.only on vitamins that was prescribed by my doctor.I always keep check on my cd4.in 2016 I when to do another hiv test at the lab.it can back negative.now I did another test twice it is positive..now am confused bcuz I don’t show any signs of hiv since 2013 and now is 2018.