When your viral load goes up, it will affect the number of working CD4+ cells, usually making them decrease in number. Your doctor will measure your viral load and your CD4+ cells to determine your status and the next steps for your treatment. Together, viral load and CD4+ cells help determine your overall health. Understanding viral load and how it affects your body and your CD4+ cells is important in identifying your needs as an individual with HIV. Knowing this information may help you understand why it is important to remain adherent. Fortunately, today there are medications that can help keep your viral load down to undetectable (un-de-tek'table) levels helping to get your CD4+ cell count up.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), a key goal of HIV therapy is to reduce viral load to undetectable levels (<50 copies/mL). However, even if a person has undetectable levels, he or she is not cured and can still transmit the virus to others.
HIV or AIDS?
The CD4 count also helps define when someone with HIV has progressed to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). If you have HIV, it does not necessarily mean that you have AIDS. A person with fewer than 200 CD4+ cells, or who develops an AIDS-defining infection or condition (sometimes called an opportunistic [op”ər-too-nis'tik] infection) or certain other conditions, meets the definition for an AIDS diagnosis. Generally, regular infections that may not present a problem in healthy people can be a problem if your CD4+ cell count falls below 200 cells.
Keeping your CD4 count up and your viral load down with medicines and healthy living may delay the development of AIDS. Seeking healthcare is a very important step that you can take to try to control your HIV virus.
Please consult Full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING, Medication Guide, and Important Safety Information for VIRAMUNE.
