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 Lucy,
If your viral load is increasing this means that the medication that you’re currently taking isn’t working. You’re going to need to talk to your doctor about this and change treatment. Please see here: http://i-base.info/guides/side/changing-hiv-drugs
Hi
I have been diagnosed with HIV in 2001, I star combiver and stocrine in 2015 they changed me to level 2 Alivia and Donovan, my viral load decrease 25000000 and my CD4 count is setting on 4. According to my doctor she thinks that I am not responding to the medication. She decided to put me on level 3. I never been admitted in hospital, I have checked all the sickness that you can think of that related to HIV the results come back negative however the viral load is increasing by day. Which medication I can take that will reduce viral load.
Hi Beatrice,
What does the doctor say about your viral load result? And what ARVs are you taking?
Having a high viral load when taking treatment might mean that you need to change to a new combination of HIV meds.
What is your CD4 count and viral load if you have them?
I have been talking arvs for the past 3 year s .now but my viral load is quite high. .is it because I am. Stressed. .
Hi Coleford,
Thanks very much. Taking a look at the i-Base guides might help. They are easy-to-read and are for all people who are HIV positive. Conference and study reports in HTB inform professionals and well as people living with HIV. These are written in a more technical style.
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Hi Anantharaj,
Your viral load is undetectable, so this means that your HIV is under control. You’re doing really well.
Hai
I am under ART treatment from last 3 years.
Now my CD4 is around 700 and my viral load is 31.
So is it severe condition?
I want to reduce my viral load.
Please help me.
Hi Yoli,
Many people worry about side effects before starting HIV treatment (ART). But modern ART is easier to take and it has fewer side effects. However, if you’re worried about gaining weight you could ask to see a dietitian.
Herbal treatment doesn’t work against HIV unfortunately. So you could talk to the doctor about your worries and make sure that your weight is monitored once you start ART.
Here’s some more info about a balanced diet from the i-Base guide to quality of life and side effects. A healthy diet is good for your physical and mental health.
What are your CD4 and viral load results?
Ive been posituve for the last 13 years not yet on medication however my Dr has prescribed the meds for me as my viral loads increased. I’ve been stalling to start the treatment as I fear the effects it will have on my body image, gaining wait and having my body completely change have tried herbal treatment wich I have not been consistent need advise on what to do