Hi,

I just tested positive 2 months ago and got my first labs back yesterday. My viral load was 59,500 and my cd4 count was 365. They told me it was quite low enough to go on meds but I was pushing it. Anything I can do to help this level rise?

I also had a high triglyceride level in my body. Does this effect the overall state of my immune system and my cd4 count? Any tips on how I can lower this number?

Part of me thinks my cd4 count was low this particular time because it was a week after testing positive and perhaps the stress of the adjustment brought me down. Is that a possibility?

Thanks so much for your time, I'm really confused on some of these things and thebody.com is helping immensely!

Another important number to follow is the CD4 percent, which is a much more stable number over time. You also don't indicate what your triglyceride level was, and I assume it was done in a fasting state. It does not affect the CD4 count. Depending on how high it is, diet modification may be all that is necessary. However, in many people medications might be required. It also could be a factor in the decision around what kind of HIV meds you might be started on.

Yes, stress could affect the CD4 count. Another set of numbers or two will help establish the trend of where you are. That said, if those numbers hold true, it is likely that you will need to start meds sooner rather than later.