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,
I am very sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis.
If your CD4 count is less than 350 then it is important that you start treatment soon, in the next month or two. While your CD4 count is at this level and you are not on treatment there is a risk that you could develop opportunistic infections. This doesn’t mean you definitely will get ill, just that it is more likely the longer you wait to start. I am not sure what you mean by initiation school so I can’t comment on that.
In regards to your question about a second HIV test this does not apply in this situation. Second tests are used when somebody is first tested for HIV. If your results have come back positive and you have had your CD4 count checked it is highly unlikely that you would test negative.
Hi i did the tests on 31 may this year at the local clinic the results come back positive with the cd4 count of 262.i would like to know when can i start treatment?what wil happen if i start it august coz first week of july i have to go to the initiation school?as i read some where on the internet states that at first the results may come positive and can come negative on the second tests is it possible?
Hi Conny,
I’m very sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis but I am happy that you say you are not stressed by this. So called ‘immune boosters’ do not treat HIV and can not increase or maintain your CD4 count. These treatments are a waste of money. The only drugs that will increase your CD4 count are ARVs.
I’m newly diagnose and my cd4 is 382 amd I never had stress abt my status so I ask if is there any boosters that I can use for my cd4
hi Zanele,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. How are you coping with finding out you have HIV?
Is your husband also HIV positive? If not it is important that you use condoms when you have sex so that you can protect him from being infected.
There is nothing, except ARVs, that can keep your CD4 count high. It’s important to wait and see what your CD4 count results are so that you can decide whether to start treatment now, or to wait. In most countries treatment is recommended when your CD4 count is around 350 or below. Treatment is also recommended for all pregnant women, so if you do get pregnant you will need to start treatment.
i tested positive and I’m still waiting 4 my cd4 count result. I am not ready to start treatment yet. I’m still trying to have a baby with my husband. What can I use to keep my cd4 high? Plz hlp…
Hi Frans,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Do you have any support to help you deal with this?
You say that you have been put on vitamins ‘as a part’ of your treatment- have you also been given ARVs? Vitamins will not do anything to your CD4 count. Unless you have a vitamin deficiency there is unlikely to be any benefit from taking vitamins. There are also no foods that can increase, or decrease your CD4 count. It’s important to try and eat a healthy diet but you don’t need to avoid or eat any specific foods just because you have HIV. You can read about diet and healthy eating in our online guide.
Your CD4 count is very good. Normally people don’t need to start ARVs until their CD4 count is 350 or below. This is because while your CD4 count is above 350 it is unlikely that your will have any HIV related illnesses. If you do get pregnant though you will need to take ARVs to prevent transmitting HIV to your baby. You can read about HIV and pregnancy in our pregnancy guide.
Please let me know if you have any questions after reading these links!
i recently tested + few weeks back n my CD4 count is 462, i have accepted it , i have been put on vitamin B & C as part of my HIV meds? will the keep my CD4 count high? my boyfriend and i have trying to fall pregnant, how are going to do do it? i’m also freaking out about what to eat and what not to eat to keep my CD4 count high. Confussed
Hi Xoli,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis, but congratultions on your pregnancy! It’s important to tell your doctor that you are pregnant so that you can get the right treatment. With ARVs you can reduce the chance of passing HIV to your baby so that this is much less likely. Please see our pregnancy guide for more info.
I was diagnosed hiv positive 6 mnths ago. Now I’m pregnant I’m so afraid for my baby, how can I reduce the risk of my baby not being infected. Pls help