Why can’t we start on ARVs when CD4 count is high?
THE World Health Organisation recommends that people living with HIV whose count drops to 350 cells/ml or below start taking ARVs because below this CD4 count, people start suffering from opportunistic infections due to a weak immune system.
Face HIV with Dr. Watiti
Dear Doctor,
Why do health units advise people living with HIV to start taking ARVs when their CD4 count drops to 300 cells/ml and below instead of giving them ARVs early enough to fight the virus when the body is still strong? Don’t you think more people would turn up for testing if they knew there will be immediate application of ARVs to improve their situation? The uncertainty of what health condition I will be in when my CD4 count drops to 300 creates a sense of fear and panic in me everyday! My CD4 count a week ago was 1214 cells/ml. Please comment and advice.
Sam
Dear Sam,
THE World Health Organisation recommends that people living with HIV whose count drops to 350 cells/ml or below start taking ARVs because below this CD4 count, people start suffering from opportunistic infections due to a weak immune system.
Unfortunately, most of the HIV-positive people are found in poor countries like Uganda which cannot afford this treatment for everyone.
It is crucial that all HIV-positive people are registered with a credible HIV care facility and be monitored regularly, so that they are put on ARVs at the proper time.
Since your CD4 count is still high, it is unnecessary to start on ARVs. But you should visit an HIV/AIDS counsellor so that you overcome the fear and panic you get when you think of what will happen when your CD4 count drops to 300 cells/ml and below.
Dear Doctor,
Why do health units advise people living with HIV to start taking ARVs when their CD4 count drops to 300 cells/ml and below instead of giving them ARVs early enough to fight the virus when the body is still strong? Don’t you think more people would turn up for testing if they knew there will be immediate application of ARVs to improve their situation? The uncertainty of what health condition I will be in when my CD4 count drops to 300 creates a sense of fear and panic in me everyday! My CD4 count a week ago was 1214 cells/ml. Please comment and advice.
Sam
Dear Sam,
THE World Health Organisation recommends that people living with HIV whose count drops to 350 cells/ml or below start taking ARVs because below this CD4 count, people start suffering from opportunistic infections due to a weak immune system.
Unfortunately, most of the HIV-positive people are found in poor countries like Uganda which cannot afford this treatment for everyone.
It is crucial that all HIV-positive people are registered with a credible HIV care facility and be monitored regularly, so that they are put on ARVs at the proper time.
Since your CD4 count is still high, it is unnecessary to start on ARVs. But you should visit an HIV/AIDS counsellor so that you overcome the fear and panic you get when you think of what will happen when your CD4 count drops to 300 cells/ml and below.