How do you know your CD4 count?

A CD4 count is typically reported as a count of cells (expressed as cells per cubic millimeter of blood). Sometimes results are expressed as a percent of total lymphocytes (CD4 percent). A normal CD4 count ranges from 500–1,200 cells/mm3 in adults and teens.

How do I restore my CD4 count?

The only reliable way to increase CD4 cell count over time is with HIV treatment - antiretroviral therapy (ART). This treatment is recommended for those who are HIV positive - no matter how long they may have the virus, and it ultimately works towards keeping the viral load low and CD4 count high.

How often should CD4 count be checked?

Your doctor should do a CD4 test every three to six months during the first year or two of treatment.

What can affect your CD4 count?

Things other than the HIV virus can influence how high or low your CD4 count is, too. An infection like the flu, pneumonia, or a herpes simplex virus (including cold sores) can make your CD4 count go down for a while. Your CD4 count will go way down when youre having chemotherapy for cancer.