T-CELLS IN HIV AND CORONAVIRUS

The National Weekender 5 June 2020 Page 7.

The HIV virus has been with us for over 20 years. We have learned about the key role of the immune system and the T-cells or CD4 cells. 

People with no virus have a high T-cell count that protects them against HIV virus. It is a key component of the immune system and kept strong by healthy nutrition of fruit and vegetables without cigarettes and alcohol.

With HIV infection, there is a gradual lowering of the T-Cell count. People with a count of less than 300 are moving to AIDS and death.

Today in the Weekender supplement of The National, there is a report linking Coronavirus to the T-Cell count of the immune system. People with Coronavirus suffer a drop in T-Cells. The view is put that the virus will be controlled if the T-Cell count is raised.

But then the T-cell count is supported by the antiretroviral drugs that destroy the HIV. 

Surely the Coronavirus will be controlled only with antiviral medication that destroys the Coronavirus supported by the T-cells of the immune system.

With HIV, the T-cells are slowly destroyed as the onset of AIDS proceeds.