Question
How can I increase my CD4 count without ARVs?
8 January 2016. Related: All topics, Newly diagnosed, South 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.
Hi Ayan, please take an HIV test.
How have you found out your CD4 count without doing an HIV test?
There can be other causes for a low CD4 count other than HIV. It is importnat that the reason you have a low CD4 count is found so you can be given the right type of treatment.
Hello , my name Ayan.
I just was told that l have CD4 of 250.
I have not taken HIV test yet.
I want to start treatment right away.
I have been having low grade fever for several weeks.
Hi Zenzele, the current closest treatment to a cure is injectable ART. This is explained here: https://i-base.info/qa/20696
Why there no cure for hiv while there’s a suppress supplement only
Hi Thobile, what was your CD4 count when you started? and have you been taking another medication called co-trimoxazole? This is an antibiotic used to prevent other infections as your CD4 count naturally recovers. Have you been told what your recent viral load is?
Hi I tested positive June 2023 and been taking my meds as prescribed but my cd4 count is 238 and I get sick every now and then please assist
Hi Alfred, please see this previous question: https://i-base.info/qa/14775
How does gammora work
Hi kikato, yes you should continue with your ART. ART is a lifelong treatment. It is used to suppress HIV and prevent HIV damaging your immune system.
It is great that your CD4 count is recovering but it still needs to continue to increase. Stopping treatment will cause your CD4 count to fall again.
Please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/guides/starting
Hi,I’m continuing with mi ART since 4 years back till now n mi CD4 count is above 200,should I continue take mi ARt.