I have HIV and started ART. How to screen for infections?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was tested HIV positive last month after ELISA and Western Blot confirmation. My CD4 count is 320 cells/mm³, and my viral load shows 68,000 copies/mL.

The doctor started me on ART (Tenofovir, Lamivudine, and Dolutegravir), but after two weeks, I am getting nausea, headaches, and tiredness. My questions are:

Is this a side effect of meds or related to my immune system adjusting?
Also, can you suggest what diet will help boost immunity?
I have read about opportunistic infections like TB and oral thrush; should I go for a chest X-ray or other screening now?

My WBC count also looks slightly low at 3,900.

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) often causes mild side effects such as nausea, headaches, fatigue, or dizziness during the first few weeks as your body adjusts to the medications, and these usually improve over time.

Your CD4 (clusters of differentiation 4) count of 320 and viral load of 68,000 indicate that your immune system is moderately compromised, which increases vulnerability to opportunistic infections.

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support overall health, but no specific food will replace the protection offered by ART.

Regular monitoring is important, and screening for latent or active infections like tuberculosis, hepatitis, and other opportunistic infections is recommended, especially if you have symptoms such as cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss; a chest X-ray and relevant blood tests can help detect these early.

Your slightly low WBC (white blood cells) count may reflect immune suppression or ART effects and should be monitored.

Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol or recreational drugs, adhering strictly to ART, and reporting persistent or worsening side effects to your HIV specialist will help protect your immune system and optimize treatment outcomes.

I hope this helps. Always feel free to reach out at any time. I am always here to help you.

Thank you.