TERMS TO KNOW:

CD4 Count:

CD4 count is the number of CD4 cells in your body. These cells help fight infection and disease. But HIV destroys CD4 cells, so you may have fewer of them. Fewer CD4 cells—a lower CD4 count—means your body is less able to fight off some types of illnesses.

HIV Drug Resistance:

HIV can change over time, and if it does, it can affect how well some HIV treatments work. This is called “HIV drug resistance,” or sometimes you may hear it simply called “resistance.” Once resistance develops, it can’t be reversed. But there are ways you can help lower the risk of resistance.

T-cells:

T-cells help fight infection and disease. HIV destroys CD4 cells, a type of T-cell, leaving the body less able to fight off some types of illnesses.

Undetectable and U=U:

U=U stands for “Undetectable equals Untransmittable.” Undetectable means there is so little virus in the blood that a lab test can’t measure it. According to research, taking HIV treatment as prescribed, and getting to and staying undetectable, prevents HIV from spreading through sex.

Viral Load:

Viral load is the amount of virus in a sample of your blood. When HIV enters your body, it uses CD4 cells in your immune system to make more virus. Without medication, this may cause your viral load to increase.