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.
Hi im hiv I am taking treatment its about 2months I was not awer that im hiv bt I see my self loosing wheight all symphtoms I start go to the clinic do blood test I found that Im hiv with a low cd4count ,now my body its on nd off sometimes Ive been through side effect for 2weeks after that I was feeling good and my wheight was fine, now I have a problem of chest and lungs and after drinking this pills my body become hot and they have the pils they gave me atenef I dont know what to do Im still new in this treatment my lips become red pls hlp me
Hi Priscar,
It’s good that you are very fit and well. But the only thing to boost your immune system and to help your CD4 count stay strong is to take HIV treatment (ART).
Here’s a link to HIV in Pictures that explains how HIV puts the immune system in overdrive.
I am HIV positive stayed for five years now but every fit weigh 95 and not on any medications,which can I be taking to boost my immune system?
Hi Concerned,
The biggest risk factor for HIV transmission to a baby is the mother’s viral load. This is a measure of how much HIV is in your blood. The main aim of ARVs is to get viral load to undetectable. This is the same for everyone with HIV.
So taking ARVs is the way to help prevent transmission to your baby. And being undetectable can also protect your partner after your baby is born.
You can read more about protecting your baby with HIV treatment (ART) in this guide to HIV, pregnancy and women’s health.
Hi
I was diagnosed with HIV in 2012,i have never been on any treatment or medication, I would sometimes use multivitamin here and there but not on a regular basis, I have recently tested positive for pregnancy and I was just wondering if there is alternative way I can prevent transmission to my baby without taking ARV’s ? and if taking ARV’s is the only way to prevent infecting my unborn child will I be able to stop after? seeing as I still seem fine health wise and also if I start taking them during pregnancy will my partner have to take them too?
Hi Shoany,
Have you talked to your doctor about these side effects? You could discuss what other HIV treatment might be available for you that would be easier to take. Food supplements are not active against HIV unfortunately. But finding out about different meds that suit you individually might help to aviod these side effects.
I HIV positive,on treatment for 6months,side effects are lossing weight,dizzy,lack of appitite,always tired need to sleep,so i have decited to leave them.what food supplement should use to recover?
Hi Dezi,
That’s right, you cannot transmit HIV to your partner. This is because your viral load is undetectable. This is great. Please see Q’s 9 and 14 for more info: https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
Hi my cd4 is 615 and my VL is 41.So i can’t transfer hiv to my partner if he is negative?We did not use a condom.
Hi Angelie.
What was your CD4 count prior to it being below 400? Do you know what your viral load is? If this is stable, so undetectable then the drop in CD4 could just be a blip. Blips are common.
The following guide discusses HEP C when someone is positive: http://i-base.info/guides/hepc