Question
Is this a significant drop in my CD4 count?
10 October 2008. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
I have been recently diagnosed as being HIV+ within the last month. My first CD4 count was 504.
My second CD4 count which I got today was 460. Is this a significant drop?
My doctors say not to worry about it.
Answer
I agree with your doctors. These two results are so close that the difference is not important.
There are many factors that can affect the CD4 readings. Among them are: stress, time of the day, any other underlying infections, menstruation (women), smoking, recent exercise or meal and many others.
There is some very detailed and good information on CD4 counts and percentages, as well as how to interpret them here.
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