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.
Im positive my cd4 count is 579 how could i increase it…please help
Hi,
ARVs are the only thing that will stop your CD4 count dropping. In South Africa you would usually start treatment when it has fallen to 350. There is no long term medical advantage of starting earlier.
You can find more information on starting treatment here:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
My CD4 count is dropping so fast, i’m not on ARVs yet. What must i do to prevent this?
Hi,
It sounds as if your treatment is working well. It is great that you have an undetectable viral load. This is the aim of treatment. It is normal for your CD4 to rise more slowly. Now that you are above 200 your risk of other infection is far less.
Your symptoms may have something to do with your meds or maybe be caused by something completely different. You should talk to your clinic about them and they can help you work out what is going on and how to treat them.
I have been find about my test that i am hiv positive 6 months. My viral load was 1500 and cd4 Was 150..after treatment about 6 months my viral load become undetecable..but my cd4 increase very slow become 211. I Still feel tired especialy at thé nite and sweaty. I want to ask its normal? I Still have a cough sometime. Thanks for answered it.
Hi,
I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
ARVs are the only thing that will control your HIV and increase CD4 count. They work very well though and do not have as many side effects now as they used too. Many people with HIV do very well on treatment.
You can find information about being newly diagnosed here:
http://i-base.info/if-you-have-just-found-out-you-are-hiv-positive/
Hi,
i have just found out that i am hiv +ve and my cd4 count is 252….. How can I increase my cd4 count without ARVs.
Hi Anno,
This used to happen with older drugs that are not often used anymore. Sometimes people can put on some eight when they start treatment. THis is because your body is using less energy fighting the virus.
You can find more information about starting treatment here:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
my only fear about ARVs is that they change peoples shape or figure ,why is that?
Hi,
This is difficult to say and is quite individual. When you start treatment or if you already have your viral load quickly falls and your CD4 count starts to slowly rise.
You can find moire information here:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting/cd4-count-and-viral-load