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How Can Cd4 Count Be High Despite Being Unwell?
Hi. My question is about HIV. I've been infected with HIV for 5 years or so and I just got my first CD4 and viral load counts 2 days ago. My CD4 is 761 and my viral load is <40. I've been sick a lot lately, not really sick but just not feeling so well. My question is, why is my CD4 is still high when I've been sick quite often lately, and is <40 considered as low or high for viral load when having been infected for 5 years?
Tue, 22 Jul 2014
Hello,
thanks for the query.
Normal CD4 ranges from 500 to over 1200. A cd4 of 761 is within the normal range but it would have been more interesting if you had an initial cd4 when you were diagnosed so as to compare with the present one in-order to know if the cd4 is dropping or not.
Viral load of less than 40 is a testimony of your cd4 that is still within normal range. When viral load usually increases, cd4 decreases. Your high cd4 explains why the viral load is low.
It is important to note that you can have other illnesses not just because you are HIV positive. But whatever the case, meeting a doctor for thorough examination is key.
Best regards
Dr Achuo
thanks for the query.
Normal CD4 ranges from 500 to over 1200. A cd4 of 761 is within the normal range but it would have been more interesting if you had an initial cd4 when you were diagnosed so as to compare with the present one in-order to know if the cd4 is dropping or not.
Viral load of less than 40 is a testimony of your cd4 that is still within normal range. When viral load usually increases, cd4 decreases. Your high cd4 explains why the viral load is low.
It is important to note that you can have other illnesses not just because you are HIV positive. But whatever the case, meeting a doctor for thorough examination is key.
Best regards
Dr Achuo
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