Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 11/29/2006

Question
my boyfriend has recently been diagnosed with HIV, and went yesterday to get his bloodwork results.. he found out his t cells are at 59.. and i am very worried about that.. he is for the most part very healthy, strong, and active.. he does have anal warts right now that have been active for about 3 months, and will be having surgery next week for that..

i have read that people with t cell count under 200 is considered to have aids, and i was just wondering if that is true..

he is just now starting medication, and his doctor was optimistic about his treatment..

just worried to death because he is such an amazing man..

thank you...

Answer
There are 3 criteria for a diagnosis of AIDS-

1. HIV+
2. T-cell count of 200 or less
3. Person has had an opportunistic infection

If your boyfriend has never had such an infection then he would not be diagnosed with AIDS. Either way, Im sure his doctor would diagnose him as such is she/he feels it is warranted.