Question
My CD4 is 500, VL is 1000, is that bad?
21 January 2013. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
My CD4 is 500 and viral load 1000, should I be worried?
Answer
Hello,
Thank-you for your email. Can I ask if you have just been diagnosed with HIV? If you have, how are you coping?
Both of your test results are very good.
A ‘normal’ CD4 count for somebody who is HIV negative is between 400-600. In the UK HIV treatment isn’t recommended until your CD4 count is 350 or below. This is because while your CD4 count is above 350 your immune system is still strong, and you are very unlikely to become ill because of HIV.
Your viral load is quite low, which is good. The viral load isn’t such an important test result unless you are on treatment already.If you are not on treatment then the viral load result is not usually used to make any treatment decisions. The exception would be if your viral load was 100,000 or above, which can be a reason to start treatment.
If you are on treatment the aim is to reach a viral load of less than 50. This is usually achieved within 3-6 months of starting treatment.
For more information about CD4 count and viral load please see our Introduction to combination therapy.
Hi Liswa,
Please see Q10 here:
http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
Hi Lisa you live how long when you HIV positive hey am always think about my status….This thing makes me anxious
Hi Liswa
A viral load of 124 is good. However it’s still detectable. For it to be great and to be undetectable it needs to be less than 50copies.
124 viral load is it ok?
Hi Jayjay,
Because your viral load is still detectable after a year, its very possible that the meds aren’t working as well as they should be. What is it that you’re on? Have you had resistance tests done?
Is your partner on meds? What is their viral load?
Hello, I have been on the treatment for 1year and my viral load is 1070. My partner is positive too. What does this suggest and what precautions should I take?
Hi Akhona,
The only thing that can help your CD4 to rise and viral load to decrease is ART. If you aren’t currently on this, then you will need to start using it.
If you have had an interruption you will need to talk to your doctor. As them to do a resistance test, and check your CD4 and viral load. What were they before you stopped?
Exercising is good, though it won’t help your HIV.
Hi,
if you on treatment and your CD4 dropped and V/L increase. What can help ? reasons were not taking treatment on time, had separation with my husband for 3months. Have not been eating well. Now I want to start over, I don’t wanna die. I exercise 5 times a week now, for an hour.
what can I eat food/ supplement.
Hi Mike,
Your viral load is undetectable, this is what the <34 means. For a detailed overview of that quantification means, please see here:
http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/interpretive-guide/?alpha=H&unit_code=63436
Hi,
I started my treatment 2 years ago my viral load says it is 20,707ml/coppies and in the interpretaion is says HIV viral RNA detected <34 copies. Detectable viral load but outside linear range of quantification. What does it mean?