Question

I feel weak in the evenings, should I start ARVs?

18 September 2013. Related: All topics, Starting treatment.

I feel weak most evenings am not on meds yet my CD4 was 650 the last count and 200 vir. Is it time to go on med?

Answer

Answer: Rebecca McDowall

Hi,

Thanks for your email. I’m sorry but I’m not sure what you mean by ‘200 vir’- is this your viral load?

Most guidelines recommend starting treatment when your CD4 count is below 500, or below 350. In many countries though you can start treatment sooner than this if you want to or if you have HIV related symptoms. Without knowing which country you live in I can’t tell you what the guidelines are in your country.

If you have symptoms that you are worried about it’s a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. These may be related to HIV but they could also be a sign of something else.