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.
Hi,
Generally ARVs are very expensive to buy privately, but prices are different in different countries. If you are having problems with waiting times at your clinic then it might be worth talking to them about this, and finding out if there is a quieter time you could come to get your meds. They may also be able to give you information about purchasing drugs from the chemist if this is something you think is worth doing.
Can I buy arv ‘s at a chemist? I don’t always have time to wait at the clinic. And +/-how much will it be.
Hi Vitus,
I’m sorry to hear about your wife’s recent diagnosis. If she has any symptoms she should talk to her doctor about this. HIV doesn’t produce symptoms in the genitals so it’s important she gets this looked at incase she has another sexually transmitted infection.
It can be difficult dealing with an HIV diagnosis. You said you don’t have any help- can I ask where you live? I may be able to suggest a local organisation or support group that could support you and your wife to deal with this.
Hi Rebecca
My wife were tested + this 9 january 2013, but her cd4 count is 465, but before we went for the test, she use to tel me that her body system changed, but there was an infection on her private part, i don’t know what might cost the infection, must it me the hiv?
and i remeber few years past, we are infected together with syphillis which we treated then, but not hole sure that is totaly cured then.
please advice i have no help at present.
Hi Bongi,
This is a very good CD4 count! Anything from 400-1600 is considered ‘normal’ for an HIV negative person, so you are doing very well. There is no way to increase your CD4 count without ARVs but your CD4 count is very good and you should try not to worry about this.
hello my cd4 ccount is 1150′ i am aware that i can’t take treatment as yet, how can i increase my cd4 count was diagnoised in 2010.
Hi Precious,
HIV treatment should be available free of charge from government clinics in South Africa. Please contact the Treatment Action Campaign, who are based in South Africa, for advice about this.
Hi I’m currently taking Tribuss,and buying it.Does anyone knw which clinic cn I get it frm or any Dr at a reasonable price? I’m based in jhb by the way n thank u.
Hi Pearl,
Our Introduction to combination therapy guide answers lots of the questions people have about starting treatment. Have a look here, and let me know if you have any questions.
Hi I’m in south Africa and thinking of starting treatment soon, was diagnosed hiv + in 2005 and have not been sick or any problem with my health, nw my cd 4 is 450 and jst wanted to know more about the new drug combination therapy as well as any side effect the drug may have.
Thanks