Dear Counsellor:

I tested HIV positive two months ago and I was very surprised when my doctor advised me that he cannot give me any medication until I do further testing. He has recommended that I do a CD4 test. What is a CD4 test for?

Worried and HIV Positive

Dear Worried and HIV Positive:

Your immune system contains different types of cells that help protect the body from infection. One of these types of specialised cells is called the CD4 or T-cells. HIV attacks these types of cells and uses them to make more copies of HIV, and in doing so, HIV weakens the immune system, making it unable to protect the body from illness and infection. A CD4 or T-cell count, will indicate the health of your immune system. The higher the CD4 count, the healthier your immune system is. People without HIV infection have about 700 to 1000 CD4 cells in a drop of blood the size of a pea. HIV-infected people are considered to have "normal" CD4 counts if the number is above 500 CD4 cells in that same size drop of blood. If your HIV is not controlled, your CD4 count will fall and eventually you will become ill. It is necessary, therefore, for your doctor to have your CD4 count before he can administer HIV medication.

Remember to always look for a doctor who is not only current on all available therapies or medications but is receptive to input from you as well. Having a say in your own care is the most important aspect of staying healthy when living with HIV - the virus that causes AIDS.