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. Rob

    On February 11, 2018 I was negative. On May 5, 2018 I detected positive. I started treatment On 15th May and my CD4 was 290. I got undetectable within 3 weeks and CD4 kept increasing. On 11th September 2018 it was 561. However, on 22nd November 2018 it dropped down to 439, while Viral load remained below 20 copies. I did my CD4 test again on 7th January 2019, and the count dropped down to 408. Why is it decreasing?

    I am on Efavirenz 600mg, Lamivudine 300Mg, tenofovir disoproxil fumerate 300mg tablets.

    Also, how else can I boost immunity? I am quite tensed. Kindly help.

  2. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Ndumiso,

    A CD4 count tells you how strong your immune system is. But taking ARVs and being undetectable can reduce the risk of HIV to zero, even if you don’t use condoms.

    Please see this guide to HIV treatment (ART) called ART in Pictures.

  3. Ndumiso

    Is it possible to get infected if you sleep with someone who is hiv+ while her cd4 count is on a right level?

  4. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Jason,

    Thank you for telling us your story. I’m sorry that it has been so tough over the years. But it’s great to know you’re feeling better everyday.

    Best wishes for your continued recovery to a healthy and much better life.

    Roy

  5. Jason

    2012, my medical result and confirmed by the doctor said i was HIV+. i ignored and just cried my heart out and stopped my world of sexual encounters and just abstained from any sexual activities. dumped myself somewhere but luckily ended up living in a normal lifestyle – without sex of course.
    2013. still HIV positive. the doctor asked me to start the ART as soon as possible. i ignored, i prefer dying if that time comes.
    2014. kept living my normal life, only few friends knew then that i am infected but they think i was joking.
    2015. life was normal.
    2016. got another job that boosted me to keep living a normal life but few weeks after i got sick- very sick – pneumonia – hospitalized then get well. paid huge hospital bills.
    2017. got very sick again – worst than the first pneumonia and i am about to give up. the doctor asked me to get tested for HIV – i ignored the fact that i knew i have so i allowed him to get me tested. the doctor confirmed i am HIV+. i got well from pneumonia but my health is deteriorating with constant illness. i decided to find a hospital where i can get ARTs.
    DECEMBER 2017 – the doctor said i have to stop everything and take a good rest while undergoing treatment because my CD4 Count is 1. i told the doctor, i am going to die soon, she said NO, i have to go treatment soonest.
    JUNE 2018 – CD4 went up to 45 and the Viral Load Undetected.
    DECEMBER 2018 – my CD4 is 128 and i am still living a normal life. No sex of course.

    PRAYERS to GOD, taking my meds every single day and following the doctors advice, i feel better everyday. The journey is not easy especially when only me knows i have the virus. But everything goes normal. i am on my way to recovery.

    Do not lose hope. It is not a cure but ART are effective when used properly and living a healthy lifestyle.

  6. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Joe,

    Thanks for this comment. It’s encouraging, and a great way for us to start the New Year.

    All the best, Roy

  7. Joe

    I’ve been infected since 2007 and I was scared shitless. I’m 38 yrs old now and from windy city. Awesome city by the way. My advice to you younger people confused and scared. Go to the doctor and educated yourself. Read info and talk to your doctors they will be honest with you. Take your meds as soon as he tells you your positive. You save your immune system and preserve it. The meds are going to get alot better what they are now and heck maybe even that cure everyone has been waiting since this nightmare happen in the early 80’s. One last thing guys take your meds everyday. Everyday! Hopefully we can all cry tears of joy when the cure or vaccine cure happens. Thanks

  8. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Christine,

    Its important to have your test result confirmed at a clinic. If it does come back positive please get back in touch with us, we’ll be able to give you some advice.

  9. Christine

    Hi I tested hiv positive using the same time results test and I’m afraid to go to a doctor. Do u think there might be a mistake on the result. Are ethose tests accurate

  10. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Richard,

    It’s good that you started ART straight away after testing positive.

    But if you have another HIV test it will still show up as HIV positive. That’s because the test looks for antibodies the body produces against HIV.

    Do you know your viral load results over the years? A viral load of 70 copies is just slightly above the cut off for undetectable, which is 50 copies.

    What meds are you taking?

Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *