Question
How can I improve my CD4 count when I am already on treatment?
2 March 2011. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
How to improve my CD4 count of 210? Is it dangerous at this stage? I was stressed and it has never been so low. I take daily Truvada (tenofovir and FTC) and Viramune (nevirapine). How can I improve it? Will more sleep help? I eat healty foods.
Thank you.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
I am sorry to hear that you are stressed at the moment and that it is affecting your CD4 count. A CD4 count of 210 isn’t bad at all and is nothing to worry about.
How long have you been on medication? If you have recently started then it is possible that as you continue taking your meds your CD4 count will increase. Trying to reduce your stress levels or learning to manage your stress better could also help.
Other things that can help to increase CD4 counts include the same things that are advised for general health. Try to eat a balanced diet, sleep well, exercise, stop smoking, and only use alcohol or recreational drugs in moderation.
It is also possible that your CD4 count is just fluctuating and that it will naturally go back up on its own. Either way it is nothing to worry about. Once you have started treatment the most important thing to monitor is your viral load. As long as that remains undetectable your treatment is working.
My CD4 count is 244, how bad is that?
Hi Bernie,
Please see Q6 here:
https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
Hi I’ve just tested and the result come as positive… My question is me and my girlfriend we’ve been planing to have a child now as we both positive what can we do…
My CD4 count was 49 when I stated treatment on the 21st of December 2016. On the 22nd of February 2017 I checked and it was 39, what can I do to pick it up fast?
Hi Sonnyboy,
The only thing that can increase your CD4 is meds, there isn’t anything else. With your CD4, drops like this can and do happen. This is because a persons CD4 can fluctuate. Other than your CD4 count do you know what your viral load is? This will give an indication as to if the meds are working or not.
Hi Ngozi,
CD4’s rise at different levels. If you started treatment with a low CD4 count, it can take longer for it to get above 200, or higher. What’s important is that your viral load is stable.
What was your CD4 count when you started meds? Also because your CD4 is 167 are you taking any other medication? Do you have your viral load tests?
Other than ARVs, there isn’t anything that can help boost your HIV. Therefore, you are already doing the best thing possible.
With regards to the stroke, when did you have this?
I have been on treatment for more than a year now but my recent result CD4 count is still low at 167. My left side of the body has been affected with a stroke. What can I do to boost my CD4 count and my immune system?
Thanks
Hi Tally,
A CD4 count of 724 is great, as too is having an undetectable viral load. Therefore, you have nothing to be worried about in relation to your HIV. You’re doing great.
I’ve just got my results today and I’m not happy. My CD4 count still only 724 as I’ve been on treatment for a two years. My viral load is lower than detectable should it be a bit higher by now?
Hi Lilly,
The only thing that can increase a persons CD4 when they have HIV is ARVs. Therefore, you are already doing the best thing. Some peoples CD4’s rise quicker than others. Other than your CD4 results, do you have any viral load results?