Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

October 2007     View PDF     En español

Your CD4 cell counts

When you get routine blood work done to keep track of your HIV disease, one common lab result includes CD4 cell counts. This count helps measure the health of your immune system.

CD4 cell counts are considered in the “normal” range when they’re above 500. When they fall to 350 or below, people are encouraged to consider anti-HIV therapy to prevent further immune damage and to help prevent infections. When this count falls below 50, people living with HIV become more risk for CMV disease.

For more information on keeping track of your immune health, see Project Inform’s publications, Day One, Blood Work, and Strategies for Improving Your Immune System.