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 Estella, are you on HIV treatment and/or when did you confirm that you were HIV positive?
A viral load of 740 shows that HIV is being suppressed but it is still active in the body. It is considered undetectable when the viral load falls below 200.
At 740 it does mean the impact on your health has been greatly reduced and the likelihood of transmission to others is much lower but these are still potential risks. Do you know your CD4 count?
ABS CD4HELP
Viral load is 740
Is that good or bad?
Hi Suzanne, I am sorry to hear how much your CD4 count has fallen. Do you know your current viral load? and what treatment are you on?
This is a significant fall in your CD4 count and should be being addressed by your doctor.
Hi
My CD4count was 850 when I tested positive and treatment was given to me immediately
6 months later CD4 count is now 350
I have been taking all medications as prescribed
I’m confused and depressed
I don’t feel sick in anyway