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 Evelene,
I’m sorry to hear about how unwell you have been but I’m glad to hear you are doing well. Your risk of contracting hep B or C is not changed by having had drug-induced hepatitis in the past. If your liver does remain damaged though there is a risk that Hep B or C could be more serious than would otherwise be expected. You should be able to be vaccinated against HBV and HCV if you haven’t already had these, or had these recently.
Hi everyone…ive been living with hiv for a couple of months now,last year i was wrongfully diagnosed with plural effusion and given Tb treatment which caused me to have a serious reaction that leaded to drug related hepatitis…i was admited to high care unit last year and got treated.m now better and taking treatment…the doctor explained that my hepatitis is not viral and can be cured..im i at risk of contracting hepatitis b and c in future?thanx
Hi Khadji,
ARVs make it much less likely that your baby will HIV positive. Starting ARVs at this point is good for both your wife and the baby. Please see our pregnancy guide for more information.
My wife’s cd4 is 200 and she is pregnant, is she going to have a health baby after puting her on ARVs Last week and the pregnancy is about 4months. Is it okay for my baby iam worried answer me please!
Hi Vivian,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis and how upset you are. Finding out you have HIV is never easy and it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Our ‘just diagnosed’ pages contain information about how to cope with this, and advice about where to get support.
If you aren’t ready to speak to somebody you know about this it can help to get support from a counsellor, support organisation, or online forum. Your clinic should be able to suggest something, or if you tell me where you live I can try to find a local organisation for you. For support online you could visit poz.com or myHIV.
Please let me know if you have any questions and if I can help further.
just discovered that iam positive last month and im so devasteded,dont kw who to talk to,cos i cnt trust any one.im so confused.please help.
Hi Themba,
Do you know why your friend is waiting to start treatment? If this is because his CD4 count- the measure of his immune system- is above 350 then he shouldn’t be getting symptoms related to HIV. If he does have symptoms though, or if his CD4 count is under 350, he should speak to the doctor about starting treatment sooner. ARVs are the only treatment for HIV and there is nothing else that can be taken for HIV.
I friend of mine is waiting to commence the treatment, ARVs. the problem is that his health is deteriorate during this period. What is it that he can take during this period to keep him afloat
Hi Kefilwe,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. CD4 counts do naturally drop over time in people without HIV, until the point when you start treatment with ARVs. Your CD4 count is still very good though, and your immune system is still strong. Unfortunately there is nothing that will increase your CD4 count except ARVs. Please read the question above for more information, and follow the links that it suggests.
I find out lst year june dat am positive n my cd4 was 997.I never had a stress or sick n m protecting myself.am using multi vitamin to boost my human system.bt now wen I test again my cd4 drop to 550 wat makes dat to happen,n how must I do to increase my cd4