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 ive just found out dat m hiv +,bt my cd4 count ws too high,over 500,so would lyk to knw hw to keep myself even better,m nt on treatment yet.
Hi Ethel,
Your CD4 count and viral load results are very good and show that your treatment is working well.
The flu vaccine is recommended for HIV+ people and it’s a good idea to get this. If you are getting a lot of viruses it’s worth discussing this with your doctor. Supplements might help this, but only if you are deficient in certain vitamins. A healthy diet is just as effective as most supplements.
Hi,I started taking ARVs lastyear in April my cd4 count was 252 but due to a level of stress I was under at the time it only went up to 267 after 6months,but when I went for this year in June it increased up to 357 and my viral load is less than 40
My problem is that I’m always sick with flue,even thou there’s an improvement with the results,I’ve started taking Centrum omega 3,Will that help with my weak immune system?the other thing is it wise to take the flue vaccine that’s offered every year before winter?
No you arent going to die, my CD4 was 24 and my viral load 67,000 back in 2002. Today I am healthier then I have ever been in my life. Yes, I have been on ARV medications since my diagnois. I am stronger then ever and there are 3 imminse reasons why I have survived and will continue to survive. !st, you must pray, 2nd, you must have a strong support group, 3rd comply to your doctors orders and finally chose a good doctor.
Hi Pinky, can you tell me the name of the ARVs you are taking? And whether you have spoken to your doctor about these symptoms?
I was diagonised with hiv on the 14 of may and tested for cd 4 count which my results came back it was 205 and started the arvs but now my skin colour changes its fading and am even loosing weight for how long will this last?
Hi Slender, there is no proof that Bitter Melon will have any impact on your CD4 count and no trials have been done to check this. This product is most likely a complete waste of money and you would be better spending your money on healthy food.
Thanks for the response but i have just been reading about the Bitter Melon, does it help to boost the CD4 count when you take it with the ARV?
Hi Slender,
I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Do you have any support to help you deal with finding out you have HIV?
Treatment is still very effective even at low CD4 counts and there is no reason to think that this will not work for you. Have a look at our starting treatment guide and let me know if you have any questions!
I have just been diagnose with HIV with a cd4 count of less than 100 and viril load of more than 5000. It look like I have being having this for a while. Am I now going to dye? Or will treatment help to increase my cd4count and reduce viral load and how long does it takes.