Question
How can I increase my CD4 count?
28 October 2017. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Hi i was diagnosed HIV positive in June 2017 when my CD4 count was 18.
I live abroad and had TB and pneumonia one after the other and was in hospital. I started antivirals about a week later after my CD4 result came back.
By October 2017, my viral load is 26 and my CD4 count is 288.
My Thai doctor said to take my tablet at the same time everyday this. I have don’t this and drink coconut milk and eat pumpkin this I have done 3 times a week since being diagnosed.
I still have a runny nose and my chest cough and I’d like to know if there are other things I can do to increase my CD4 and reduce my viral load?
Thanks
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
From your results its clear that you’re doing very well. An increase in CD4 from 18 to 288 in a matter of months is amazing. In time this will rise even more.
Your viral load is undetectable, so as long as you keep taking you HIV meds, you don’t need to take additional medicine.
The cough and runny nose are not likely to be related to HIV. This might just be coincidence that you have a cold for example.
It is good to look after other things in your life – i.e. reducing stress and having goals to be happy. Eating a balance diet is good, and keeping mentally and physically active is also good for the long term – plus not smoking.
The HIV meds are all you needs for your CD4 count and viral load.
Hi Eric, thanks – I am sorry about the cramps. Please talk to your doctor about any symptoms as they will know about your full medication history. Please continue taking your HIV meds though until your doctor can advise you.
I have been having serious and reoccuring stomach and bowel crams that comes with watery stoling, lost of appetite and weakness. I’m taking my ARV medication. What could possibly be responsible for this?.
Hi Edmund, what was your CD4 count when you started treatment? and do you know your viral load? As you have been on medication for so long it would be expected that your CD4 count would have recovered more than this. What medication do you take? and do you take it every day?
I started my ARVs on September 2011 my CD4 count is very seating on 149 please i train also eat well. Sex wise i use protection condom….what if i dont use condom? Please elaborate ..very worried
Hi Atul,
Please see this link to what is a normal CD4 count, CD4% and CD4:CD8 ratio. As you can see, your results look like they fit into this normal range.
However, the way to find out if you’re HIV positive, is to get tested. Please see this link to the different tests used to test for HIV.