What are CD4 and viral load counts?
A CD4 count measures the level of CD4 immune cells in a persons blood. A viral load count measures the level of cells infected with HIV in a persons blood. Generally speaking, the higher the CD4 count (and the lower the viral load count), the healthier a person is likely to be. These blood counts are used by doctors to help them determine the health of a persons immune system, and to help plan appropriate treatment.