Dear Dr, I was diagnosed as positve 12 months ago,cd4 170, vl 95,000 and 10.2. In July my values were Cd4 800, vl <50 and 22.1. I have had no problems with my meds (Combivir and Sustiva)and have felt well and have been delighted with my results. However my latest results have changed this. My CD4 count has fallen from 800 to 600 and the from 22.1 to 20.6. Unfortunately I will not know my vl for at least another week. I am very concerned and worried.When my blood was tested I was suffering from a heavy cold and I had a dental infection for which I had received antibiotics,twice, in the preceding month.I had also felt rather down in myself with the terrible events which had happened in the USA,and as September was the "anniversary" of my positive diagnosis. Could these factors have affected my CD4 count to such an extent? I have never missed a single dose of my meds nor been late, or early ,with my dosing times. I realise things will become clearer with my VL results but I cannot stop worrying.Please can you give me any advice or explanations for this fall in CD4 count. Thank you from England.

Sorry for not responding earlier. Stressful events and concomitant illnesses can indeed affect CD4 count and percentage. I would wait to see if your viral load results are still undetectable. If so, I predict that in a month, your CD4 count will have gone back up. MH