Question
Does a viral load of 23,000 and CD4 17% mean my son is getting sick?
8 May 2012. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
My son was born with HIV. He is 25 years old. His last viral load was 23,000 and CD4 was 17% does this mean he is getting sick?
Answer
CD4 counts are used to measure how HIV is affecting the immune system. A ‘normal’ CD4 count for somebody without HIV is around 500. CD4 counts are one of the tools used to help decide when to start treatment. But because CD4 counts fluctuate widely another measure – the CD4 percentage- is used as a more stable measure of changes in the immune system. Please follow this link for more information about CD4 counts and CD4 percentage.
Can I ask if your son is currently on treatment? A CD4% of 17% suggests that his CD4 count is around 250. In the USA treatment is recommended for anybody with a CD4 under 500. What advice has your doctor given?
A CD4 count of less than 350 means that you are more at risk of developing opportunistic infections. This doesn’t mean that your son will definitely get sick, just that it is more likely. Please follow this link for more information about CD4 counts and the risk of becoming ill
Hi Sindi,
If you have a viral load, this means that you are positive. This is because a viral load test measures the amount of HIV that’s in your blood. If your partner has been your only sexual partner, then I’m not sure how you were infected.
Now that you are aware of your status, its important that you start medication. This will help your HIV and also reduce the risk of transmission to your child. Please see here for more info: http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
I have been recently diagnosed with HIV and I only slept with my partner and have been with him for 7 years. I only did the test because I’m pregnant. I told my partner who also went to do his test and it’s Negative. My CD4 count is 706 and viral load is 29546. Can I do another test else where or the viral load test confirms the virus?
Hi Sam,
This is a low viral load for someone not on treatment. But there can be big differences between people.
So it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.
@ Roy Trevelion
Thank you for your response. I really appreciate it.
Just to make that I understand you clearly, please allow me to ask this.
Is it possible to have a viral load of 290 when I have had this virus for more than 5 years without treatment?
Hi Sam,
Please see this similar question here. It says, unfortunately, neither of these tests can show when you were infected. This is because there are such big differences between different people. Together with your history of risk or exposure, the results can sometimes be interpreted to estimate how long your have been positive. This is always just a guess though.
But your CD4 count is still strong. Your viral load is low which is also good.
It’s a good idea to have another test to confirm your results. Perhaps your girlfriend can have another test too.
Hi,
I had swollen glands under the jaw. I went to a doctor who did all sorts of tests. The results came back and he told me all blood white cell seem ok, but unfortunately diagnosed me with hiv. My viral load is 290 and CD4 count of 560. The doctor said I might have had this for at least 4 to 6 months or more.
I have only had unprotected sex with my current gf, who tested negative 3 months before I took a test, and I saw the results. I’m very confused.
Can one estimate how long you have had hiv?
Is it advisable to go for a second opinion?