Question
Can my CD4 count indicate when I was infected?
31 July 2012. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed.
I have just received my CD4 count which is 23. Can this help me know when I was infected?
Answer
Unfortunately, it is not possible to find out when you were infected using one CD4 test result alone. Single CD4 counts are not a reliable way to find out when someone was infected. This is because a normal CD4 count is different for everybody – with or without HIV.
The normal CD4 count range for CD4 counts without HIV is between 400-1600. A ‘normal’ CD4 count for an HIV-positive person is getting above 500. This is an ideal goal although many people remain well and healthy with CD4 counts that are below this.
In general though, CD4 counts tend to drop over time when someone is not on treatment.Although the rate at which they drop is different for each person. And this makes it even harder to estimate date of infection.
In your case, a CD4 count of 23 would indicate that your immune system is quite weak. The good news is that though, you have been caught in time. It means that you can start taking ARVs (antiretroviral treatment for HIV) to keep you well. Are you able to access ARVs? This is because, the treatment we now have for HIV is extremely effective even for people who start with a CD4 count lower than 10.
Can I ask what your doctor has advised? Can I also ask if you know what your viral load is? This is because, even with a low CD4 count, if you start and follow your treatment carefully, you have a good chance that it will work. Your viral load will drop and your CD4 count will rise to safer levels.
Please follow this link to our guide which details the average CD4 increases by starting treatment.
In addition to ARVs, your doctor should also prescribe Septrin (also known as co-trimoxazole). This is an antibiotic which prevents you from getting illnesses such as pneumonia which can develop when your CD4 count is below 200.
You may find it helpful to read our guide to An introduction to combination therapy. It answers a lot of questions you may have around starting treatment.
It is not very clear from your question if you were recently diagnosed. If you were, then you may also find it helpful to contact other people living with HIV. Many find it useful to share experiences of living with HIV and coping with a new diagnosis.
FOPHAK – The Foundation of People Living with HIV in Kenya can put you in contact with support groups near you.
You can contact them via email on: fophak@yahoo.com or by calling: 00254202724703.
Best wishes.
Hi Far,
It sounds like you’re doing well, this is great. Its the ARVs that are controlling your HIV. Nothing else will be able to do this.
Hi. I was diagnosed 2 months ago. I had a very high viral load(45k) and low CD4+ of 170. I had a severe thrombocytopenia and signs of PCP. I started ARV with a single dose of EFV / FTC / TDF. In less than 60 days my Viral load became undetectable and my CD4+ lymphocytes rose to 310. My Plt count rose to normal level (151k) and my lungs in XRay became clear. I would like to know whether I am in risk of ADC and if so how can I avoid it beside continueing ARV.
Hi Juila,
The World Health Organisations recommendations are that everyone who is positive should be on meds. This is even for people like you who have a very high CD4 count. Therefore, if you’re ready, then yes you should start. For more info, please see the following links:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
http://i-base.info/i-base-qa-on-the-start-study-results/
i found out that im hiv positive in August 2015- my cd4 count was 853, it never drop down , it always from 800-1200. last week when i visited the doctor it was 1100, i always worried about starting the treatment- can i start the treatment when my cd4 count is so high. please help
Hi Karabelo,
Yes, some people can be diagnosed with HIV and still have an undetectable viral load. These people are called elite controllers. Please see here:
http://i-base.info/elite-controller/
is it possible to have more than 400 CD4 count,with undetectable virul load but be dignosed HIV possitive?
Hi Anupam,
A CD4 of 518 is good. It isn’t something that you should worry about. However, if you aren’t on medication then you should think about starting. This is because it’s ARVs that will control your HIV and help your CD4 stay healthy.
I’m positive, my CD4 is 518, please help.
Hi Henry,
There are two types of HIV, HIV 1 and HIV 2. HIV 1 is the most common and advances quicker then HIV2. HIV 2 is also in general geographically related to West Africa. If you haven’t had sexual intercourse then I’m not sure how you became infected. Have you at any time had a blood transfusion? Or been an intravenous drug user? Some people are also born with HIV.
Because this has come as a shock, are you able to talk to anyone? Are you able to get some support? Also, because your CD4 is low, have you started meds? If you have when did you start, and how are you otherwise?
I Went To Hospital And I Was Diagnosed Hiv Positive With Cd4 Count 61. I Couldn’t Believe The Test Result Because I Have Not Had Sexual Intercourse With Anybody Before. I Went To Another Hospital And Did Another Test, They Gave Me Test Result Written Hiv Positive In Type 1 And Hiv Negative In Type 2. Am In A Very Confuse State Now, And I Need Your Explanation.