A persons CD4 count at the start of treatment remains one of the strongest indicators of life expectancy. The life expectancy between those whose CD4 count is less than 200 at the start of treatment is 8 years less than those whose count is over 200 at the same time.

What happens when your CD4 count is very low?

With a CD4 count below 200 your body is vulnerable to opportunistic infections. These are infections the immune system can usually prevent on its own but with a low CD4 count the immune system is not able to fight them off. Opportunistic infections can be very serious and cause potentially life-threatening illnesses.

What happens when your CD4 count is below 50?

In very advanced HIV disease, when CD4 counts are below 50/mm 3, patients are at risk of pseudomonas pneumonia, cytomegalovirus retinitis, central nervous system lymphoma, aspergillosis, and disseminated histoplasmosis. Risk of many HIV-related disease varies with the patients degree of immunosuppression.

How do you increase CD4 cells?

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.

Are bananas good for immune system?

Bananas are not only a prebiotic food – supporting gut health – they are high in vitamin B6. This vitamin is needed to keep the immune system functioning properly. Bananas are an excellent base for your next smoothie! Other foods high in vitamin B6 include cold-water fish, lean chicken breast, chickpeas and potatoes.