Q and A

Question

How can I increase my CD4 count without ARVs?

I have just found out that I was HIV positive in March, last year. My CD4 count was 270.

I did another test and it was 284 and my doctor said I must start treatment.

I just want to know what I must do to increase my CD4 count without taking treatment.

Answer

Hi, how are you doing?

The only way to increase your CD4 is to use HIV treatment (ART).

Your doctor is giving you good information and advice.

Nothing else, including multivitamins, supplements or herbal remedies can increase your CD4 count. Looking after yourself is important – for example, eating a balanced diet, keeping physically and mentally active, reducing stress, sleeping well etc.  But increasing your CD4 count is only proven by using effective HIV meds.

Even though some companies advertise this vitamins and supplements can help your CD4 count, these are scams. There is no such thing as an “immune booster” and no “immune booster” will help your CD4 count or help control HIV.

Why do you want to delay ART or look at other options? HIV meds are really effective – this is what they were designed for.

ART stops HIV from replicating.  The main aim is to reduce your viral load to an undetectable level (less than 50 copies/mL). As your viral load goes down, your immune system start to repair itself.  This means that your CD4 count will slowly go up to higher levels again.

Currently South Africa recommendation starting treatment when the CD4 count is below 500 cells/mm3. This may change in the future and treatment might be recommended at any CD4 count. (Note: South African later changed to recommends treatment at any CD4 count).

Here is a link to more information about starting treatment.  Please take your time reading it and if you have any further questions do write back to me.

Are you receiving any support from other people? Getting support from your local support group or a counsellor can help you to come to terms living with HIV. Also you will be able to gain and share experiences with others who are in the similar situation as you, rather than having to deal with it in isolation.

This answer was updated in January 2019 and January 2016 from a question first posted on 2 March 2012.

1,068 comments

  1. Nonkululeko

    Nonku 7September 201
    Hi I’m 35 years and I’ve been positive for over 10 years but not on treatment (2006) and my last cd4 was above 600 and at that time you were suppose to start when it 500 and below at 2016 I haven’t had much complications as yet and I’m gaining more weight leaving an active life but in worried if these is normal am I at any risk of getting infections or any cancer or TB

  2. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Ashley,

    When someone isn’t on meds, even if their CD4 is high they risk transmitting HIV to their sexual partners. Its only ‘safe’ to have unprotected sex with someone who is positive if their viral load is undetectable.

  3. Ashley

    I had unprotected sex with my gf a week ago,den yesterday she told me that she’s HIV + but she’s not taking her medication since her Cd4 count s high.so since then m stressed I don’t know wht to do,plss I need some advice

  4. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Joe,

    How are you coping with your diagnoses?Are you able to get some support?

    Its very unlikely that your CD4 would fall that much in the space of 10 days. So try not too worry too much about this. Even if your CD4 did go just below 200, once on meds this will increase. The main thing is that once you get to your clinic that you start meds. Being on meds will allow you to control your HIV. For more info about starting meds, please see here:

    http://i-base.info/guides/starting

  5. Joe

    Hi, I’ve just been told I am HIV positive, I had unprotected sex around 8 weeks ago which has unfortunately caused this. My CD4 check is at 270. I’m currently travelling up the east coast of Australia and unable to get to a sexual health clinic for treatment for another 10 days. Is there a chance my CD4 count can go down to under 200 in this time? My doctor said once it goes below 200 it’s a concern. Thanks in advance

  6. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Adetunji,

    Once someone has a viral load of less than 50 it means that they are really in control of their HIV. A CD4 cout of 350 is OK. With treatment however, this should rise.

  7. Adetunji

    My client is having viral load of 10 and cd4 of 350 does it mean she doing well?

  8. Koki

    No body deserves to die over this disease. Our people should learn to accept one another and take it as any other chronic diseases. Like diabetes, High Blood Pressure just to name a few.

  9. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Ntombekhaya,

    If you want to control your HIV you will need to start meds. This and only this will help. You may also want to get your CD4 count checked.

  10. Ntombekhaya

    I’ve been positive since 2003 and never on meds. I’m starting to lose weight. What can I eat to stop this?

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