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Had Flu, Swelling In Legs, Warming Of Skin. Reduction In CD And CD4. Is It Other Infection?
I recently had the flu (within the last month). At about the same time, I noticed swelling in my legs, which was accompanied by a warming of the skin, followed by a very noticeable cooling of the same area. Shortly after, I started having leg cramps in my shin and calf area. The flu symptoms have subsided, but these other symptoms persist. I am currently on Truvada , Norvir, Prezista, Acyclovir , Lipitor , and Lomotil. My recent labs showed a rather drastic reduction in CD4 , with approximately 8% drop in CD4%. My viral load is/was still undectectable. My physician attributes the decrease in CD4 and CD4% to an already developed case of the flu or other infection, as I became ill the day I received my flu shot. With these symptoms, is there cause for alarm, or might this just be my body readjusting after the illness? Thanks for your time
Wed, 4 Sep 2013
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Your physician is exactly right in his prediction.
As long as your Viral load is in undetectable level there is nothing to worry. The reduction in CD4 count and ratio may be due to recent illness, you had, say flu. Repeat the count after 3 months you will be seeing everything is fine.
Sometimes if your immune system might have not been recovered well if you are an older individual or ART started in very late stage, it may be like this.
Wish you a speedy recovery.
DR S.Murugan
Welcome to HCM.
Your physician is exactly right in his prediction.
As long as your Viral load is in undetectable level there is nothing to worry. The reduction in CD4 count and ratio may be due to recent illness, you had, say flu. Repeat the count after 3 months you will be seeing everything is fine.
Sometimes if your immune system might have not been recovered well if you are an older individual or ART started in very late stage, it may be like this.
Wish you a speedy recovery.
DR S.Murugan
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