Question
How can I get my CD4 count to increase?
26 May 2011. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Hi – what can I do to help increase my CD4? I have just found out I am at undetectable level after 8 weeks on treatment which is great. my CD4 has gone from 95 to 166 (after 4 weeks) and is now 173 after 8 weeks. I know it can take time for the CD4 to recover when the base level is low as mine but I am still disheartened as I was really hoping for it to have rebounded a bit better than this. What can I do to help it increase? Many thanks for your advice.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Your CD4 count is doing really well and increasing nicely. Most people take 6-12 months for their CD4 counts to increase significantly. You are doing really well and have nothing to feel disheartened about.
There is very little anyone can do to increase their CD4 counts accept using HIV treatment which you are already doing. However, there are some things that you can do to maintain your CD4 count and ensure it stays up. This includes eating a healthy balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, not getting stressed out, not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation and generally looking after yourself.
Hi Rahul,
CD4’s can and do fluctuate, therefore unless your viral load has increased you’ll be fine.
Hi I have HIV and Syphilis…when detected my CD4 count was 407…..i took treatment for syphilis after that and took the art tablets also….from past 6 months i am taking the ART tablets but my CD4 count not increast as per my last test dont yesterday…it is now 395….what is wrong ? what can i do?
My CD4 was 1364 level and it’s down to 790, I’m still undetectable and was still taking my medicines regularly. Yes, I had minor virus and flu like symptoms for a week at a time. My Physician not to worry about it, but I’m worried because at one time it read 1648.
Hi Ola,
Your CD4 count is fine. Its very possible that this is a blip. Please see here for more info:
https://i-base.info/qa/4053
Hi Dalton,
What was your CD4 count before you started meds?
Hi
My CD4 count is floating between 299 to 400 (23% to 24%) since 5 years ago… it quite demoralizing than my cd4 can’t have a high count since, any advise?
Hi Thomas,
Your CD4 will increase with ARVs, therefore if you aren’t on meds then you should start. That said, your CD4 is already well within normal range.
My CD4 count is 658 I’m taking viraday tab.I do exercise. Will my count go high.how long it will take?
Hi KGD,
As the above post explains CD4s can only really be increased by taking ARVs. If you aren’t already on meds, you will need to start them. For more info, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
My CD4 is low. How can I increase it?