Question
How can I increase my CD4 count without ARVs?
8 January 2016. Related: All topics, Newly diagnosed, South Africa, Starting treatment, Supplements and herbs.
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.
I just tested for HIV and both my resultas came out Positive,so i went again to confirm then i got taken blood and send it to the Lab. i havent collected my result due to afraidness what if the result from Lab say Positive?is there a chance of me being Positive?please do assist (NO NAME)
Hi Rebecca, this website is only about HIV. In general, unless your doctor says you need supplements, there is very little evidence to show whether they work.
Want to know if am eating vitamins or supplement I am going to gain weight? I am not hiv positive.
Hi Kay, as long as your viral load stays undetectable, you are doing everything you can to protect your baby’s health. It is fine to still enjoy sex during pregnancy so long as this is comfortable for you. Just as you will have had an STI check, your hubby should do this to, as condoms will protect against these.
Hi I’ve been diagnosed with HIV last year in Dec and began taking meds right away and I’m pregnant, my baby is due in March this year so we have been having unprotected inter course with hubby, does this put my baby at the risk of infection??
Hi Nonkululeko, your CD4 count is good but your viral load is more important. How long have you been on treatment? Ideally, your viral load is best if it is undetectable when the baby is born.
Hi, I’m 30 weeks pregnant and my CD4 267 is that normal, does it mean that my baby won’t be infected?
Hi Nosipho, are current;y taking HIV meds? If yes when did you start? HIV meds are important now for both you and your baby – and they will also protect your partner.
Hi I’m Zandi and im HIV positive but I never tell my partner that I’m HIV positive. We are having sex without protection so could he get infected? I’m pregnant with his child but I’m scared that the baby will get infection what must i do?
Hi Gugu, it is great that you are sticking to taking all these meds, even though early side effects are sometimes difficult. Everything should start to get easier as both sets of drugs start to work. Please talk to your doctor if you are worried, but your energy levels should get better now.