Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
Ask the Experts about Understanding Your Labs
HIV now AIDS?
Aug 17, 2008
I was recently diagnosed with HIV. I am 19- I had my first lab and my CD4 count was 179. I was told that this is a AIDS diagnosis. I'm so worried. I havent been sexually active for no more than 2 years. What should I do? Can my count increase? Should I be worried? I feel fine. I originially went to the doctor because I had a viral infection and I got better in a few days. When I took the lab I still had the viral infection- could this be the cause of my numbers being so low. I havent yet recieved my viral load yet.
Response from Dr. Holodniy
Yes, a CD4 count d< 200 is considered an AIDS diagnosis. Other ongoing infections could affect the CD4 count and cause it to decline. However, if on repeat the numbers are still in roughly the same place, HIV treatment is indicated now.
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
