Keeping an Eye on
Your CD4 Counts

CD4 counts are important to everyone, but especially to someone dealing with HIV or AIDS.

CD4 means, "cluster of differentiation 4". Rather than get into the exact, scientific details of what exactly it is, we'll discuss its function for the human body.

Simply put, CD4 is a co-receptor that assists the T cell receptor, or the TCR, to activate the T cell. Or in layman's terms, CD4 helps to activate the immune system.

So what does this have to do with HIV infection? In short, HIV-1 uses CD4 to gain entry into T cells and decrease the number of T cells possessing CD4 receptors.

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CD4 and HIV Treatment

The role CD4 takes in HIV treatment is perhaps even more important.

CD4 tests are not really HIV tests, but by counting T cells with CD4 receptors, doctors can monitor the patient's immune system.

Treatment for HIV will usually begin when the CD4 count reaches a low point of around 200 cells per micro-liter of blood.

Follow up counts will then, usually, be conducted to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment process.

Affecting your CD4

Using HIV drugs as prescribed, is, of course, vital if you have been diagnosed as HIV positive.

Scientific studies published in show that vitamin supplementation can increase CD-4 cell count by as much as 24%

"Micronutrient supplementation can significantly improve CD4 cell count in HIV-infected patients receiving HARRT"
 Journal of AIDS 2006 Click Here

Some people suggest that simply watching your stress levels can help, as well. In general, you should try to maintain a physically and emotionally happy and healthy lifestyle for best results, no matter what illness you're battling or what treatment you're going through.

Researchers and experts work around the clock to develop new ways to aid in dealing with CD4 counts. As of this moment, however, there isn't much we can do but live our lives as we see fit.

We may one day find a cure for HIV and AIDS, and we may be able to clone healthy T cells, but for the time being we need to simply live each day to the fullest, as corny as that may sound.

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