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 Thobela,
I’m sorry to hear that both you and your mother are HIV+. Has your mum just been diagnosed? Do you have any support to help you both deal with living with HIV?
I was diagnosed with hiv 2009.im so stressed i find out my mother is also hiv+.
Hi Charon,
Unfortunately there aren’t any long action ARVs available yet, but there are many studies looking at developing these. It’s important that safety concerns are looked at carefully with these because of the long-lasting effect of the drugs, which potentially means long-lasting side effects. You can read about some of the latest research in this area in our publication HTB.
Can you tell me which ARVs you are taking? There are some combinations that involve fewer pills than others- if you are struggling with your current combination there may be an alternative available that would be easier for you to take.
s arvs not yet in a form of injection tht u cn take fr the rest of the month its diff to drink all those tablets at same tym or maybe in a liquid form
The only proven way to increase your CD4 count is to start HIV treatment with ARVs. When you start and which drug you use will vary depending on the heat care in your country. This Introduction to Combination Therapy guide explains treatment in more detail.
Hi my cd4 counts ur droping very low. How cn I increase and what cn I use 4 my cd4 count s.
Hi Lindiwe,
If his rash is not improving your fiance should go back to the doctor. If they are unable to treat this he may need to look into changing to a different ARV treatment. For more information about rashes please see our side effects guide.
My fiance had started his ARV’S treatment on July last year and he got a rash all over his body they give him aquoas cream every monthly when he went to collect his ARV’S, but is not helping and this is itchying there is anything that can help? and his lips turn red what he can use for his lips please help i am worried.
Hi Lee,
Like the question above says there is no way to increase or maintain your CD4 count except to take ARVs. CD4 counts will drop in HIV positive people until they start treatment. Your CD4 count is still good though so try not to worry.
Hey… Ive been HIV+ sins 2011 december,my worry now is that my CD4 count keeps dropping. Now im @ a low 401 CD4 count,i have accepted my status n i try so hard2o be healthy everyday.. I want to keep my CD4 count up, what can i do, what can i take maybe thats gonna help keep my CD4 count up?