Question
How can I increase my CD4 count without ARVs?
8 January 2016. Related: All topics, Newly diagnosed, Southern Africa, Starting treatment, Supplements and herbs.
I have just found out that I was HIV positive in March, last year. My CD4 count was 270.
I did another test and it was 284 and my doctor said I must start treatment.
I just want to know what I must do to increase my CD4 count without taking treatment.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
The only way to increase your CD4 is to use HIV treatment (ART).
Your doctor is giving you good information and advice.
Nothing else, including multivitamins, supplements or herbal remedies can increase your CD4 count. Looking after yourself is important – for example, eating a balanced diet, keeping physically and mentally active, reducing stress, sleeping well etc. But increasing your CD4 count is only proven by using effective HIV meds.
Even though some companies advertise this vitamins and supplements can help your CD4 count, these are scams. There is no such thing as an “immune booster” and no “immune booster” will help your CD4 count or help control HIV.
Why do you want to delay ART or look at other options? HIV meds are really effective – this is what they were designed for.
ART stops HIV from replicating. The main aim is to reduce your viral load to an undetectable level (less than 50 copies/mL). As your viral load goes down, your immune system start to repair itself. This means that your CD4 count will slowly go up to higher levels again.
Currently South Africa recommendation starting treatment when the CD4 count is below 500 cells/mm3. This may change in the future and treatment might be recommended at any CD4 count. (Note: South African later changed to recommends treatment at any CD4 count).
Here is a link to more information about starting treatment. Please take your time reading it and if you have any further questions do write back to me.
Are you receiving any support from other people? Getting support from your local support group or a counsellor can help you to come to terms living with HIV. Also you will be able to gain and share experiences with others who are in the similar situation as you, rather than having to deal with it in isolation.
This answer was updated in January 2019 and January 2016 from a question first posted on 2 March 2012.
Hello Sihle and thanks for getting in touch.
I am very sorry to hear your husband is unwell and of course I completely understand your concern.
Please have a doctor assess your husband, as they can provide appropriate treatment.
Living with HIV on effective medication (like your husband) can ensure an active, full and healthy life.
It also protects you and your kids from catching it.
Please read here for more information:
https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
Unfortunately, I cannot help get access to the medication you are mentioning.
i-base is not involved with buying or selling medication and cannot provide prescriptions.
However, please consult a doctor or pharmacist before giving any medication to your husband.
Medication can interact and prevent his HIV medication from working
Please also read here more information about HIV and how you can support him:
https://i-base.info/just-found-out/
Hi im Sihle. My husband is living with HIV. Until recently he had no health problems and he was running every day. We have six kids, the youngest one is nine months old. I am negative and only found out about his status recently. I am very worried about my husband, he’s very ill. Help me, I want to buy procydin
Hi Aje, without knowing where you are it is difficult to comment. .
Please contact an HIV test centre or hospital, or Google for an HIV organisation close to where you are living. HIV meds are usually free but your doctor needs to write a prescription for you.
i-Base is in the UK
Question ? So if u have a letter from the doctor u can get the drugs from clinics but how much? Please help me find a group
Hi Nonzi, I am sorry that you are have difficult health problems. It sounds very important that several different doctor should be involved in your care as a team. If your clinic only has a small number of patients, this might involve including a doctor from a larger hospital. If you are already being seen at a large HIV hospital you are probably getting good care. It is okay to ask the doctor about this.
When several things are causing complications, it is often better to look at each problem separately. For example, you say that your CD4 count is going down but do you have the latest result and how this has changed over time? What was the last CD4 count and what was this last year? Do you also know your viral load?
The results from both the CD4 and viral load test will help tell whether your HIV meds are still working of it you might need to change them.
Although it is not easy or ideal, many people can do well on dialysis while waiting for a kidney transplant. Has your doctor said whether this is possible for you and whether a transplant might be possible? If yes, are you already on a waiting list.
These are a few ideas and questions but please email me directly if you want to talk more and in confidence:
questions@i-Base.org.uk
Please remember that I am not a doctor but I can sometimes help with information.
I m HIV + and I’m on ARV almost for 20yrs BTW now my CD4 is keep on decreasing and I’m on Dylalisis my kidneys are failing also on Stage I don’t know what to do pls HELP
Hi Linda, thanks. HIV meds are now recommended at any CD4 count in every country. Even if the CD4 count is still high. Please talk to your doctor about this. There is also more info in this online guide:
https://i-base.info/guides/starting
Hi I just found out that am hiv can I take treatment if my cd4 count is high