Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Im Confused.

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Denton, TX

Why do some ppl including doctors dont use the words aids anymore? If your cd4 goes under 200 do you have aids? Or what exactly tells you that you have aids? When i was detected my cd4 was 2 and neither of my doctors said the word aids. Iam now undetectable and cd4 over 200 still dont understand where aids come in place? Im healthy no ither issues. Workout on the daily and try my hardest to eat right. I take my meds daily. If we were back in the 80s i understand i probaby wiuldnt be here. So… read more

January 9, 2019
View reactions
A myHIVteam Member

Even if you receive an AIDS diagnosis and your numbers recover to that of a healthy HIV + patient your AIDS diagnosis never goes away. My doctor explained it’s a way for other doctors to know how your disease has progressed and also useful for insurance companies.

January 19, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

@A myHIVteam Member she apologized for the confusion. She also said she doesn't use the term anymore. I found out I had HIV in the hospital. They were treating me my liver issues and kept me in the hospital for a week. I knew from the discharge paperwork, that I had wasting syndrome and thrush. But it was a while before I found out I had AIDS

January 11, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

When I was diagnosed, my cd4 was 19. My dr said I had advanced HIV. I didn't figure out I had AIDS until I was already on antivirals and I was watching the poz life of patrick and he said he had Aids and his CD4 was higher than mine. I asked my Dr about it on my next appointment.

January 10, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

My understanding is that today's definition of AIDS is not the CD4 count but the number of opportunistic infections that you have. Also the viral load helps determine the diagnosis.

January 10, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

From my understanding if your cd4 count ever goes below 200 you get an AIDS diagnosis. (or if you get an opportunistic infection). It doesn't matter if your counts go back over 200 you are still classified as having AIDS which is the late state of HIV infection. Any others want to elaborate? It just means that there was more damage to your immune system. Hope this helps.

January 9, 2019

Related content

View All

Thinking About Doing CNA, Do I Have To Disclose My Status To My Employer, Confused

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
New York, NY

Im A Heterosexual With HIV And Undetected. Im New To Dating. Has It Been Difficult Dating With HIV For Anyone?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Medford, NY

I Feel As If Im A Horrible Guy, Ive Had STI Infections More Than I Care To Admit, Now Im Taking Meds For HSV Infection, Still Waiting On Lab

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Tacoma, WA