Q and A

Question

How do I increase my CD4 count?

I was diagnosed with HIV in 2004. My CD4 count was pretty high. I didn’t start taking medication until 2022. I have contracted Covid 2 times. The last time I was informed my CD4 count was below 200. What should do to increase my CD4 count? I also take Sulfamethoxazole. I have Uterine Fibroids so I have to take iron as well. Also are there and foods I should avoid?

Answer

Hi, how are you doing?

Do you know the name of the medication you are taking? and have you been told what your recent viral load is?

It is great that you have now started treatment. This is the best way for your CD4 count to recover. HIV treatment works by suppressing HIV. This allows the body to then naturally recover its CD4 count.

There are no specific foods you need to be taking/avoiding. HIV treatment is the best and only way to help your CD4 count recover.

It is really good that you are taking sulfamethoxazole. This is an antibiotic that can help prevent other infections and your immune system recovers.

CD4 recovery can be slow. The lower the count at the start of treatment, often the slower it is to recover. From below 200 CD4 recovery can take more than a year. Being adherent with your medication will ensure this recovers as best it can over time.

Josh.

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