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Shall I stop taking alchohal Apr 18, 2007 Should a patient diagonised with HIV who has a CD4 count of around 400 and viral load of 150,000 start treatment? At this stage should they stop using alcohol? |
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Response from Dr. Daar
 The decision as to when antiretroviral therapy should be started is a complex one and requires a thorough discussion between the given patient and their provider. In general, guidlines suggest starting if there are any HIV-related symptoms or a CD4 count below 200 cells/uL. If CD4 cells are 200-350 cells/uL many would consider starting treatment. For those with CD4 cells above 350 most would watch off therapy, however if viral loads are >100,000 copies/mL and/or CD4 cells are on the decline this might prompt some to consider treatment if the patient were in a good physical and psychological state to do so. Occassional alcohol use is not a problem. If people have hepatitis B or C infection or are using excessive amounts of alcohol then it best be minimize or stop using alcohol. Best, Eric |
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 Memory loss |  Blood levels and HIV |
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