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 Zizipho,
Because your viral load is undetectable, there isn’t any risk of you transmitting HIV to any sexual partners that you may have. Please see Q’s 9 and 14 here for more info:
http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
With regards to not disclosing, this is of course a personal discussion. However, if its possible something that could end up being serious, you may wish to be open about your status.
I have been on meds since 2013 and I went for a CD4 and the results came out that the virus is undetectable and my my CD4 count is 826 now I would like to know cos I just met a new partner. If I dont disclose my status Am I putting him in a risk of being infected incase of any unprotected…
Hi lili,
Yes you can start treatment, its actaully important that you do. Once on meds your HIV will be controlled. For info about starting meds, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
I’m positive and my CD4 count is 430, can I start treatment?
Hi Vinolia,
Vomiting can be due to a number of reasons. If it was due to your medication then its likely that it would happen on a frequent basis.
Hi Ayanda I am on ARVs and TB treatment for five months now but I have a problem of vomiting from to time to time,what’s is going on?
Hi Jane,
Are you on meds?
But yes, a CD4 can drop that quickly. It can be a CD4 fluctuation, or if you aren’t on meds it could be this. Please see here:
http://i-base.info/qa/4053
Can CD4 count drop from 1200 to 580 within 4 months
Hi Ayanda,
Neither a CD4 count, nor a viral load can tell a person when they contracted HIV. Though this can be annoying and confusing, the important thing is that you know about your status.
Hullo. I was diagnosed with HIV in April 2017 and with a CD4 count of 150 and viral load around 170k.
I only started being sexually active in August 2016 with one person and as far as I remember there was always protection, but I guess anything is possible. I haven’t had a blood transfusion, or used intravenous drug use, I had no symptoms and this result was a shock. The only thing I can point to was a surgery I had more than 10 years ago but besides that I have just been healthy. I guess what I mean to ask is if a low viral load will always mean I’ve had the infection for a very long time?