Question
How can I increase my CD4 count?
28 October 2017. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Hi i was diagnosed HIV positive in June 2017 when my CD4 count was 18.
I live abroad and had TB and pneumonia one after the other and was in hospital. I started antivirals about a week later after my CD4 result came back.
By October 2017, my viral load is 26 and my CD4 count is 288.
My Thai doctor said to take my tablet at the same time everyday this. I have don’t this and drink coconut milk and eat pumpkin this I have done 3 times a week since being diagnosed.
I still have a runny nose and my chest cough and I’d like to know if there are other things I can do to increase my CD4 and reduce my viral load?
Thanks
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
From your results its clear that you’re doing very well. An increase in CD4 from 18 to 288 in a matter of months is amazing. In time this will rise even more.
Your viral load is undetectable, so as long as you keep taking you HIV meds, you don’t need to take additional medicine.
The cough and runny nose are not likely to be related to HIV. This might just be coincidence that you have a cold for example.
It is good to look after other things in your life – i.e. reducing stress and having goals to be happy. Eating a balance diet is good, and keeping mentally and physically active is also good for the long term – plus not smoking.
The HIV meds are all you needs for your CD4 count and viral load.
My cd4 count is 553 and my viral load is 51 ,.I,m still eat ARV,S. WHEN MAY I DEVORSE ARV,S?
Hi Art,
The possible side effects vary depending on the medication and on the individual. Our guide to starting meds explains some of this: http://i-base.info/guides/starting
What are the common side effects when taking ART meds?
Ohhh OK ok,really thank u
Hi G,
A persons CD4 count can decrease if they aren’t on medication or if the meds that they are using aren’t working like they should be. It can also be a blip. Close monitoring is important if its going down and knowing what the viral load is.
Is there any reason for cd4 count decreases gradually?
Hi G,
Its very possible that this could be a blip, is it possible for your mother to have her CD4 count retested? Do you know what her viral load is?
Hi,
My mother’s CD4 count is 80, but last month it has 140. She regularly take the meds and other healthy foods to increase cd4, but the result decreased. She is totally upset and scared. Is this any problem? And how can I increase the count?
I was diagnosed back in December 2000 with a CD4 count of 18 and viral load through the roof, I was suffering with PCP pneumonia at the time. It took a long time to get my CD4 count above 250 ( 5-6 years) . Now nearly 18 years down the line my CD4 is in the mid 900s and viral load undetectable. Don’t lose faith and look after yourself .
Hi Vrs,
Unlike viral loads which drop really quickly when someone starts meds, a person’s CD4 count can take much longer to rise. Though this can be disheartening, it will rise. Your drop in viral load shows that the meds are working and working really well. You should be proud of yourself.