Question
Why does my CD4 count drops?
24 February 2012. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Why does CD4 count drops?
Answer
There are many reasons why your CD4 count can drop.
If you have any kind of infection such as cold, flu or fever then it can cause your CD4 to drop.
If someone is infected by immune deficiency illness such as cancer or HIV, this can also reduces their CD4 count. If not treated, their CD4 count can drop to a very low level and they can develop other opportunistic illnesses (OIs).
HIV medication works by stopping the virus from replicating itself and therefore preventing the virus from further damaging the immune system. When your viral load has been reduce to undetectable level (less than 50 copies) then your CD4 count will go up, but not to the level before infection.
For more information on the same subject, please look at the link below.
Hi,
I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Your drinking and smoking will not directly affect your CD4 count. However they are both not good for your general health.
Hi i went tested this year in January and i was positive. So i’m having a problem with drinking alcohol and smoking. I’m worried that my CD4 will drop.
Hi
The normal range for a CD4 count is usually between about 400 and 1600.
If you are HIV positive and have a CD4 count that is below 350, HIV treatment is strongly recommended.
If your CD4 count is 57, this means that HIV is likely to have already damaged your immune system. Talking to your doctor about treatment is very important.
Even starting treatment with a CD4 count below 100, you can expect a good response to treatment.
For more information see this link:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
i have done the full blood count and what is the cd4 is it the lymphocytes which my resut was 57 is it normal
Sorry but we can’t diagnose symptoms online. If you are worried please go back to your doctor.
I’ve been on ARVs since 2004. I recently fell ill and went to visit a doctor. She said I had a normal flu, and my chest was clear. Its been three weeks now and I can’t seem to stop coughing, what could be the problem?
Hi,
Thank you for getting in touch. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is common and in the UK, around 1 in 50 sexually active women are diagnosed every year.
It is caused by a bacterial infection spreading up from your vagina towards your ovaries and fallopian tubes. Most causes of PID are from a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Common bacterial STIs such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are often responsible for causing PID. However, other types of bacteria found naturally in the vagina can also cause PID. As you mentioned that you use condoms to protect yourself from STIs, this may have been what has happened.
The Bicillin injections that you are being given contain a broad-spectrum antibiotic. This means it will treat a wide range of bacteria and should clear up your infection when you finish the course.
It is good to hear that your pap smear came back normal and that the rest of your body is healthy.
You also seem to have a history of yeast infections (this is sometimes called thrush). Yeast infections are more common in women with PID who are HIV positive. So try to keep track of any symptoms during and after the course of antibiotics. This will allow your doctor to give you the right treatment if you need any more.
The NHS website has more information about PID.
Hi,
I’m positive and on medication. I’ve been treated for yeast infections several times. Sometimes it’s itchy that I scratch and my vulva gets swollen and reddish but there is no odour or colour. I went for the 3rd time and was told its PID (pelvic inflammatory disease). Given Bicillii injection yesterday then will go for 2nd one after a week then last one after a week.I’m using condom in my life.What causes this? My ovaries and tubes are infected how? I did my pap smear 2 months ago all perfect. My heart,kidney perfect. Blood level fantastic. What now? Very worried.
Hi
You can only increase your CD4 count by using HIV meds (ARVs). The vitamins (centrum) are not going to be able to do this.
I’m not sure why your ‘tight schedule’ would stop you from starting treatment. Lots of people who are on treatment continue to lead busy lives. If your CD4 count is falling to low levels (less than 350) and certainly less than 200, then your long term health may be more important than your schedule.
Most people who delay treatment wonder why they waited so long after they start and find it to be much easier than they first thought.
I’ m very worried my cd4 count is dropping, I had a flu in december but treated and I went for a cd4 count check up i february this year, and it’ s still dropping. Im a bit confused coz i’ ve been taking centrum and i’ m on bactrim at the moment, I’ m not a sickly person and im not ready to start treatment because I have a very tight schedule at the moment, but im planning to start it next year. Please help me, what should I take to boost my immune system?