Forum on HIV and Mental Health: CD4

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		CD4 < 20 Jul 9, 2007 MY FRIEND WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH AIDS. HE NEVER EVEN KNEW HE WAS HIV+ BECAUSE HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN HEALTHY.AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR HE STARTED FEELING EXTREMELY FATIGUED AND STARTED RAPIDLY LOSING WEIGHT. SINCE HE DOESN'T BELONG TO ANY OF THE "HIGH RISK" GROUPS, AFTER ALL OTHER TESTS SHOWED NOTHING BUT ANEMIA, THEY DID AN HIV TEST WHICH CAME BACK +. HIS CBC SHOWS 2 TYPES OF ANEMIA AND HIS CD4 COUNT IS < 20. THE DOCTOR PUT HIM ON ATRIPLA 2 WEEKS AGO. HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A CASE WITH SUCH A LOW CD4 COUNT AND WHAT ARE HIS CHANCES FOR PULLING OUT OF THIS. REMARKABLEY, HE HAS TESTED NEGATIVE FOR ALL THE OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS THEY HAVE TESTED FOR AND HIS MRI AND CHEST X-RAY ALSO CAME BACK NEGATIVE. THANK YOU.


Advertisement Response from Dr. Horwath The low CD4 count is very concerning and puts him at risk for various infections. However, the good news is that he started treatment. His chances for improvement are very good if he takes the medication faithfully and otherwise takes care of his health. Yes, people can rebound even from very low CD4 counts. Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!

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