HIV versues AIDS

[Leslie]

Good Morning Everyone, My son was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. When he was first diagnosed his T-cell count was 115, and from what I have read that is considered AIDS. He was put on medication and now his T-cell count is up to 454. One of my questions is, does that mean it returns to just HIV or is it still considered AIDS? I have also been told that it is normal for these counts to go up and down, his have gone down the past two times. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

[Ann]

Hi Leslie, welcome to the forums.

I've moved your thread into the Someone I Care About Has HIV forum as the Living forum where you originally posted is for hiv positive members only.

Technically, your son will always have an aids diagnosis. However, this does not mean that you have to use this terminology. After all, a person with an aids diagnosis still has hiv. This terminology was probably more important back when hiv was untreatable. Now days, it's just words. Don't worry about it and just say your son is hiv positive.

It sounds as though he's done very well on treatment. And yes, the numbers can and do fluctuate all the time. T-cell (aka CD4) numbers will fluctuate even in a person who is hiv negative. The important number in your son's case, as he's on treatment, is the viral load. That needs to remain undetectable.

If you haven't already, I suggest you read the Lessons found elsewhere on this website. If you have any questions about what you read, feel free to come back here to ask them.

Ann