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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Should HIV Be Further Treated?

Hi, I have just been diagnosed with HIV. My CD4 count is 1350. My doctor said to just keep on living a normal life. But I spoke to a Medical representative and she told me that I need to start taking ARVs right away to keep the virus from not replicating itself in my body. WHat am I to do?
Tue, 22 Jul 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
thanks for the query

HIV causes harm to the body by destroying CD4 cells which are helper cells that initiate immune responses. When CD4 levels are low, the immune system of the individual is weakened and that individual can't fight against infections any longer.

At 1350 of CD4, the immune system is still good and within the normal range which goes down to as low as 500.

Early start of ARVs is beneficial in that it reduces viral load, thus immune degradation and also reduces the risk of transmission from one individual to the other. However, ARVs have side effects and compliance to the drugs is a problem to some people.

In Countries where there is a national policy such as in developing countries with free ARV, there is a cut off limit below for which clients whose levels do not go below that limit would not be put on treatment. This is so because the drugs are subsidized. However in countries with no national policies on cutoff, ARV therapy could be started no matter the CD4 count level.

Hope this helps. If you have further query, i will be glad to help.
Best regards
Dr Achuo
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How Should HIV Be Further Treated?

Hello, thanks for the query HIV causes harm to the body by destroying CD4 cells which are helper cells that initiate immune responses. When CD4 levels are low, the immune system of the individual is weakened and that individual can t fight against infections any longer. At 1350 of CD4, the immune system is still good and within the normal range which goes down to as low as 500. Early start of ARVs is beneficial in that it reduces viral load, thus immune degradation and also reduces the risk of transmission from one individual to the other. However, ARVs have side effects and compliance to the drugs is a problem to some people. In Countries where there is a national policy such as in developing countries with free ARV, there is a cut off limit below for which clients whose levels do not go below that limit would not be put on treatment. This is so because the drugs are subsidized. However in countries with no national policies on cutoff, ARV therapy could be started no matter the CD4 count level. Hope this helps. If you have further query, i will be glad to help. Best regards Dr Achuo