Q and A

Question

How can I decrease my viral load?

hi my question is that I found out I am hiv positive and my c4 was 64 and am now on treatment. The last time Ii do my varal load was more than 3000, they asked me to do it again this month. I’m stressed to much and that makes me scared. What can I used to boost my viral load? I don’t have a problem with my treatment my problem is the stress I have.

Answer

Thanks for getting in touch.

What was your viral load when you were diagnosed? How long have you been on treatment? Has your CD4 increased since you started meds?

I appreciate that you are concerned that your viral load is not undetectable. It is though still low, and will continue to go down if you take your meds. It can take up to six months to become undetectable. It is taking your meds that will decrease your viral load, and nothing else.

138 comments

  1. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Matshidiso,

    It’s great that your viral load has been undetectable for all these years. And your CD4 count is within the normal range for someone who is HIV negative.

    But have you checked with the doctor that there is not a mistake with your viral load? You can ask for another viral load test to see if 514 is correct.

    Are Procydins vitamin supplements? Some supplements can interact with some HIV meds. So it’s always a good idea to tell your doctor what you’re taking.

    Please let us know what other HIV meds you’re taking in your combination.

  2. Matshidiso

    Hi my name is Matshidiso. I have been on treatment since 2011 and my viral load was undetectable until my recent test that said is now 514 and my CD4 is 520 .I am confused as I am adhering well to my treatment and condomising everytime, or maybe it was the supplements I was taking, procydins can they interfere with my medication I am taking 3TC, FTC, combination please help I am consent.

  3. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Phindile,

    If your viral load is increasing and you’re adhering to your medication, this would indicate that your medication isn’t working like it should. This is something that you’ll need to discuss with your doctor. Please see here for more info about changing: http://i-base.info/guides/side

  4. Phindile

    Hello I started my ARV’s on 2007 my problem is that my viral load it always go up now its over 3000…and truly speaking I’m taking my medication on time every day…what can be a problem…..
    And again Tea can be the cause of this

  5. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Dineo,

    What HIV meds (ARVs) are you taking? Some ARVs and herbs, such as teas, can interact. This can mean that the ARVs don’t work as well as they should.

    Please let us know what ARVs you’re taking.

  6. Dineo

    Hi, my viral load was lower than detectable since 2015 so last month they took my blood to lab and today the results came out saying my viral load is 5310, my doctor said it might be the kind of tea I drink so I am confused I don’t know what to do anymore.

  7. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Bontle,

    If your viral load is 13,995 after being on medication for 6 months, this means that it isn’t working. You’re going to need to talk to your doctor about changing to another regime. There’s more info about this here: http://i-base.info/guides/changing

  8. Bontle

    Hi i started medication 6 months ago nd recently i went for my results and now my viral load is 13995.I have been on treatment since last year October but it seems like my viral load is increasing. What can be the cause and how can i lower it?

  9. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Loyanda,

    Drinking coffee has no effect on a person viral load, so coffee won’t be the issue, nor will it be the tea. Its very possible that this could be a lab error, are you able to have another viral load test?
    How long have you been taking ARVs for? What’s your viral load history?

  10. loyanda

    hi my viral load was 400 but now is 622, I’m taking my medication every day what cause it to increase. is coffee not good when you’re taking arv even strong tea.

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