Question
How can I get my CD4 count to increase?
26 May 2011. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Hi – what can I do to help increase my CD4? I have just found out I am at undetectable level after 8 weeks on treatment which is great. my CD4 has gone from 95 to 166 (after 4 weeks) and is now 173 after 8 weeks. I know it can take time for the CD4 to recover when the base level is low as mine but I am still disheartened as I was really hoping for it to have rebounded a bit better than this. What can I do to help it increase? Many thanks for your advice.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Your CD4 count is doing really well and increasing nicely. Most people take 6-12 months for their CD4 counts to increase significantly. You are doing really well and have nothing to feel disheartened about.
There is very little anyone can do to increase their CD4 counts accept using HIV treatment which you are already doing. However, there are some things that you can do to maintain your CD4 count and ensure it stays up. This includes eating a healthy balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, not getting stressed out, not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation and generally looking after yourself.
Hi Adrien,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis but it’s good that your general health is good. Vitamins and minerals can’t boost your CD4 count, and are not a replacement for antiretroviral treatment. But they can be useful in keeping healthy. Please take a look at this page about vitamins and minerals for information about different possible supplements.
Hi, I’ve just tested HIV +. Based on my general Health report, everything is good but I am still waiting for my CD4 count report. I was told by the doctor, if my count is above 350, I do not need to take any HIV medication. I’m trying my best to live a healthy lifestyle. Can I take any vitamins such as vitamin A, C, E, Folate, B6, B12 and Zinc to boost my immune system before my next blood text.
Hi Zeb,
It is likely that the rash you are experiencing is a side effect of Atripla. Atripla contains three drugs: efavirenz, tenofovir and FTC. Both efavirenz and FTC can cause a rash. Up to 20% of people using efavirenz can experience a mild to moderate rash in the first weeks of treatment. For most people this disappears over the next few weeks and they experience no further side effects. Less than 5% of people stop an efavirenz because of rash, and less than 1% people get a severe rash. As with any side effect you should talk to your doctor about this. Because a few people who develop a rash can have a serious reaction it is important to report this to your doctor immediately if you have only been on treatment for a few weeks. It is very likely that your doctor will be able to treat your rash and you will feel better soon. Please follow this link for more information about rashes with HIV treatment.
Hi. I tested HIV positive in Feb and my CD4 count is 17. I’m on Atripla and I’m experiencing rash all over my body especially under the feet and in the palm of my hands. I also mouth ulcers. My lips are worst. i thought it was an allergic reaction until i read that its and HIV rash, or rather AIDS rash. How long do I have to live?
Unless you have a vitamin deficiency, I’ve not been convinced by studies that a multivitamin will make that much difference to your health either way. However, if you feel better for taking one it is unlikely to do you any harm. If you want to compare the different formulations, the ingredients will be listed on each pack. I don’t know either well brand, or this subject, well enough to comment. Why not ask your doctor why the prescription changed and whether he or she thinks there is any difference?
i tested positive last year in april and my CD4 count was 378 and i’ve been on treatment ever since. last month i went to dr to check on my cd4 count it was 480. my concern is i was using centrum multi vitamins, and now the dr said i must use ds-24. i don’t know which one is the best to use.
Trustiva is a generic combination that contains efavirenz + tenofovir + FTC. This is a good combination.
In the UK people are advised to take any combination that includes efavirenz at bedtime, just before going to sleep. This will help reduce side effects. The side effects include vivid dreams and mood changes, though these usually get easier after the first week or two.
Please see this link: http://i-base.info/guides/side/cns-side-effects
My CD4 is 136 viral load is 225,000. I am suffering, weakness and no strength. I approached the dr who has given Trustiva tablet once daily. I am fearing to start in the evening at 5 o’clock dialy. Can I take or not?
Whilst there is still no cure for HIV, we must not give up hope. There has so far been 1 patient who had a very complicated medical history but who has been able to cure HIV through several bone marrow transplants from a donor who has a rare genetic mutation which means HIv cannot infect their CD4 cells. This person is known as ‘The Berlin Patient’ and more information on him can be found by following this link.
Luckily today there are good treatments available which can give people with HIV a near normal life expectancy and a good quality of life. We need to be thankful for those whilst we continue to hope for a cure.
how to cure hiv