Question
How long will it take for my CD4 count to recover?
10 July 2023. Related: Adherence, All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Diagnosed in 2021 June, so taking Biktarvy and Bactrim. My CD4 count was 74 during the diagnosis and undetectable after 1 month and after 2 years CD4 count is 193 and it never went above 200 and still taking Bactrim. So how many years I need to take Bactrim and why my CD4 count is not going up. VL is undetectable all the time. CD% was 8 and now it is 12%. Are there any risk since CD4 count is not going up after 2 years ARV’s and undetectable. Taking long time Bactrim effect my health?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
It is great to hear you now have an undetectable viral load. This means HIV is no longer damaging your immune system and your CD4 count can recover. While it seems slow, an increase from 74 to 193 is good. Unlike viral load which responds quickly, recovery of CD4 count can take years.
As your CD4 count has already more than doubled, it is likely that it will reach a healthy level within a year or two (430 – 1690). Unfortunately there is no way to speed up this process aside from continuing with Biktarvy, but it will increase over time.
The length of time you remain on Bactrim, depends on which guidelines your healthcare provider follows. Some will suggest 200 while others can be up to 350. As long as you have regular monitoring, there are no long term complications that cannot be managed when remaining on Bactrim.
Josh.
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