Question
Why has my CD4 count has dropped?
13 January 2014. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Six months ago my CD4 count was 1715 and now it has dropped to 1033.
What is the reason behind this decrease?
Please tell me doctor, I am not on medication.
Answer
Hi,
Thanks for your email. First of all, please be aware that advocates at i-Base are not doctors and we have no formal medical training. Information from i-Base should be used to inform conversations with your doctor or clinic.
It is normal for CD4 counts to fluctuate- to go up and down. Because you are not on treatment it is very likely that your CD4 count will decrease over time. The speed at which this happens is different for each person and it is difficult to predict how your CD4 count will change over time. You can see an average graph of CD4 counts here.
Your CD4 count is still very good though, and shows that your immune system is strong. A ‘normal’, healthy CD4 count for somebody who is HIV negative is anything between 400-1600, so you are well within this range. Usually treatment isn’t recommended until the CD4 count falls below 500, or 350. This is because when your CD4 count is above this level it is unlikely you will experience any HIV related symptoms or illnesses.
You can read more about CD4 counts and treatment recommendations in our guide to starting treatment here.
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