HOW LONG DO T CELLS LIVE

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CD4 (T-Cell) Tests

What Are CD4 Cells? CD4 cells are a type of lymphocyte (white blood cell). They are an important part of the immune system. CD4 cells are sometimes called T-cells. There are two main types of CD4 cells. T-4 cells , also called CD4+, are "helper" cells. They lead the attack against infections. T-8 cells (CD8+) are "suppressor" cells that end the immune response. CD8 cells can also be "killer" cells that kill cancer cells and cells infected...

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How to stop long-lived med like Viramune?

Dr. Cohen,I've been on Combivir and Viramune since Dec '99, my first and only HIV meds. My VL is < 50 and my T-cells are around 535. I've become anemic and want to stop my meds to see if the AZT is causing the anemia (with my HIV...

Response from Cal Cohen, M.D., M.S.

Harvard Medical School

Well, Jim, there are other ways to figure out if AZT is the cause of your anemia. While you could just stop them all, you can do something perhaps easier - which is to simply substitute a different antiviral for the AZT - one that does not cause... Read more »

HOW LONG TO LIVE WITH CURRENT RESISTANCE

DEAR MARK, I AM RESISTANT TO NEARLY ALL DRUGS AVAILABLE. DO YOU SEE ANY HOPE FOR ME TO SURVIVE MORE THAN A FEW DECADES STILL? I AM RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH EXPOSURE IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR. VL = 30,000, T-CELLS ARE 600. THINKING OF INTERLEUKIN 2...

Response from Mark Holodniy, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.I.C.

Stanford University, School of Medicine

You might be desperate, but certainly not dying. Your CD4 count is pretty good. IL-2 is a good idea, but only in the presence of a good antiretroviral regimen. Other drugs like second generation protease inhibitors (ABT-378), fusion inhibitors... Read more »

How Long Can I Live With Aids?

Hi! I'm 28 years old and I was detected with Aids. I've started a treatment and I just wanna know how long can I live?...

Response from Eric Daar, M.D.

UCLA School of Medicine

My short answer is that you probably can live to be a very old person. Most people newly diagnosed who are taking care of their mental health, not using drugs or abusing alcohol can start antiretroviral therapy and have a dramatic response. This... Read more »

How long can I live

Hi, I have had HIV for 8years but have not had any treatment received, how much longer can I live normally before I am striked with AIDS? Does AIDS come suddenly or gradually?...

Response from Judith Feinberg, M.D.

University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine

On average, it takes about 8-10 years after infection to have one's T cells drop below 200, which is the threshold value the governement uses to define AIDS. Some people continue to do well even after their T cells go below 200 and even below... Read more »

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How long to live?

Posted by PondersLife, 4 Replies

Hi everyone! Ok, here's the skinny...I have been pos since 1998 and started on meds in 2000 (didn't get sick started to prevent getting sick). One month after starting meds virus count was undectable and t-cells were 390 that was in 1998. Now... Read more »