Question
How can I decrease my viral load?
1 November 2016. Related: All topics, Newly diagnosed, Starting treatment, Supplements and herbs.
hi my question is that I found out I am hiv positive and my c4 was 64 and am now on treatment. The last time Ii do my varal load was more than 3000, they asked me to do it again this month. I’m stressed to much and that makes me scared. What can I used to boost my viral load? I don’t have a problem with my treatment my problem is the stress I have.
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
What was your viral load when you were diagnosed? How long have you been on treatment? Has your CD4 increased since you started meds?
I appreciate that you are concerned that your viral load is not undetectable. It is though still low, and will continue to go down if you take your meds. It can take up to six months to become undetectable. It is taking your meds that will decrease your viral load, and nothing else.
Hi Nthabiseng,
A viral load of 21 is great! Undetectable means a viral load that is anywhere under 50. It looks like your HIV treatment (ART) is working well. I hope you feel happy and healthy.
Hi my viral load is 21 is that bad..coz the last time I took blood it was not dictected.
Hi Julian.
The only way a person can control their HIV is by being on meds. Meds, and meds alone can do this. Though its common to be worried about starting meds, they really are amazing. Yes you may have some initial side effects, but this isn’t guaranteed. There’s more here about starting meds:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
Hello, I was diagnosed 14 years back and since then I have never taken any medication, my cd4 counts 300 as of February 2018 while my viral load reads 62000. I’m scare of the drugs and I want to know if there is any way I can decrease my viral load and increase my cd 4. pls advise.
Dear Sudesh,
The meds you are on are a standard treatment for HIV (ART). But as the aim of ART is to reduce viral load to undetectable it looks like the treatment is not working. Have you been undetectable on this treatment over the years? It’s important that you ask the clinic to test viral load again. If this is not a lab error, then you can ask about drug resistance and changing treatment. Here’s a link to the guide to changing ART if viral load rebounds.
Dear Ms Thorley, Greetings
I’m an ART patient from last 2 and half years. I’m fully adherence to my treatment since started it increased my CD4 to 290 but recently the viral load test detected 250000 which is an extreme case. I’m very stressed and afraid as I’m losing my weight and increase in general weakness…
Can you please suggest me something to reduce my viral load.
Presently I’m suggested to take a daily dose of Efavirenz 600mg Lamivudine 300mg Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 300mg Tablets IP from ART Srinagar India
Hi Jabulani,
You’re right is saying that your CD4 is OK, in facts its great.
With regards to your viral load, has it ever been undetectable? If it was when was this? Is is only resently that your viral load started to climb? Are you adhering to your meds?
Hi I’ve been on ARV from 2015 nd my CD 4 count is ok I’m might say cause its 1664 …but now my corcen is my viral load is not going down.I check it on November it was 143 nd now 2 day its saying 222 how can I reduce my viral load 2 40 or less plz advice
Thanks Mpho Daisy,
Many people work out what’s best for them individually to help take HIV meds. It’s good to know that yoghurt or milk is a help for you. But milk products are not easy to take for some people, so it wouldn’t be a general recommendation.
is it good to take atripla with yourghut or milk