Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. When a person T-cell count falls below 200, they are classified as having AIDS. What happens if through medicines and good habits such as eating and excercising there count goes back up to 400. Do they still have AIDS, or have they gone back to only HIV positive? Could they still live a long life even though falling below 200 at one time in there life?
Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
Internal Medicine
I'm asked this question all the time by my patients. The simple answer is that TECHNICALLY, if your T cells ever go under 200 you have an AIDS diagnosis, and that diagnosis isn't erased if your T cells go higher. These days, many people who have had their Tcells go under 200 have had their T cells improve, through the things you cited: eating well, taking their antivirals faithfully. etc. These same patients stay HEALTHY-they don't get opportunistic infections, require hospitalizations, and the like. In fact, practically speaking you can't tell this person ever had low T cells -- on meds they do as well as someone whose T cells haven't fallen below 200.
So, I tell my patients whose T cells have been in the AIDS-qualifying range ( less than 200) NOT to let that mess with their head-in their case their AIDS diagnosis is NOT predictive of how well they'll do, it's more a reminder that they need to take good care of themselves to STAY HEALTHY.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, John M. Lloyd Foundation, Roche and Trimeris, the National Library of Medicine, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.