Q and A

Question

How can I increase my CD4 count without ARVs?

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.

1,086 comments

  1. Christina Antoniadi

    Hello Jacob and thank you for the comment.

    Sometimes people living with HIV can have problems with their joints and pain.

    There are many reasons for that and can be related to your CD4 count or your medication.

    What does your doctor say?
    It is important to have a discussion as he can prescribe medication for the pain and inflammation and can refer you to a specialist.

    You can read some more information here: https://i-base.info/qa/7018
    and here: https://i-base.info/guides/side/peripheral-neuropathy

  2. Jacob.

    I m taking hiv tablets. But I ‘m losing weight and my joints are sore, especially my knees are swollen. I can’t walk properly. May you kindly assist?

  3. Simon Collins

    Dear Buyie

    I am really sorry you are not feeling well.

    What does you doctor say about this?

    Is your viral load undetectable? If not, this might be why you are tired and your doctor might want to change treatment.

    If your viral load is undetectable though, it shows the HIV meds are working well.

    Your doctor should then talk about other things that might explain this.

  4. Buyie

    My CD for count is at 248 and feeling so weak and l’m on ARV.
    I try to eat healthy my concern l’m recently started diabetic tablets and l’m on antidepressants.
    I feel so tired what can l do to boost my energy

  5. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Eva, unfortunately not. HIV treatment is used to suppress viral load and hopefully you can have an undetectable viral load.

    This is not the same as being HIV negative. A test will still be positive as tests look for antibodies. These are cells the body makes in response to HIV infection and you cannot get rid of them.

    Even with treatment and your viral load suppressed meaning HIV is not impacting your health, you will still test positive.

    More information about testing can be found here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  6. Eva

    Can i test negative when taking my treatment regularly if so, after how long of taking treatment

  7. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Cj, as with any heart pain please speak to your doctor. If the pain is worrying go to ED as soon as you can.

  8. Cj

    Does HIV causes heart pain?

  9. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Precious, a CD4 count of 24 is very low. A healthy range is between 430 and 1690. Do you know your viral load?

    Are you on HIV treatment? and have you been given another medication called co-trimoxazole?

    HIV treatment will suppress HIV and allow your body to naturally recover its CD4 cells. Co-trimoxazole is an antibiotic used to prevent other infections while your immune system recovers.

    CD4 count: https://i-base.info/cd4-count/

  10. Precious

    My CD4 count is 24 is it good or bad

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