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.
Am HIV positive and my cd4count is now 180. I am feeling bether.
Sorry to hear your wife is unwell. But the only way to increase her CD4 count is to take ARVs. There are no supplements or other medicines that can increase CD4 counts. Is there a reason why she’s stopped taking the medication? If there were side effects from them, she can ask at the clinic about taking different ARVs.
I would like to hear from you over the challenges I’m having. I’ve been married for over 4 years. My wife has been HIV positive since 2011. But just recently, in September 2015, she stopped taking her medication of ARVs. Nowadays she has body pains, colds, coughs, and fever in the evenings. I’ve tried to send her back to the hospital and start medication again but she refuses. Her CD4 count is low and she has lost weight, but she eats well and she is strong. Is there any means my wife can gain her CD4 count and weight? Is there other medicine I can start giving to her? And I hear of supplements but I still don’t know the best supplement.
Hi Patience,
Firstly, it’s good that you’ve started treatment because this will stop HIV from reducing your CD4 count. It’s common for CD4 counts to go up and down. This happens to everyone, and CD4 counts can go down when you have another infection such as a cold or flu. It’s important that you discuss your HIV meds and your rheumatoid arthritis meds with your doctor so that you’re sure there’s no drug interactions. You can ask your doctor whether it’s possible for your rheumatoid medication to reduce your CD4 count.
Hi, I was diagnosed HIV+ in January 2016. My CD4 was 356 when I started treatment in March 2016. What I don’t understand is how can my CD4 be so low when I tested HIV negative in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Only in 2015 I did not get tested and been with one partner since 2011. I thought your CD4 count gets that low when you have been positive for years. Is it maybe because I’m on rheumatoid medication since 2012 that’s why my CD4 was compromised so quickly. The councillor I spoke to says the virus was hiding itself but how can this be possible because before I started RA treatment they ran a HIV test to eliminate it, and as I understand it its impossible for a 4th generation test to be wrong.
It’s good that you’re healthy and strong. But although you feel this way, having HIV will damage your immune system. The best way to stay healthy and strong is to take your meds. You tested positive in 2013 and you will still be positive today. You should talk to your clinic or doctor about worries that you have about telling your boyfriend. You can ask them if they have a support group?
I’m HIV positive, but the problem is I’m afraid to tell my boyfriend. We are not using protection. Help me I’m scared, maybe if i tell him the truth, I’m gonna lose him. I dont know what to do, and I’m a defaulter, but I’m healthy and strong since July 2013, when I tested positive. I’ve not taken my medication since 2015. I believe that I dont have HIV, maybe they’ve made a mistake and I’m HIV negative. Help me.
Hi Akhona
Do you know why your ARVs were stopped?
Most countries now recommend staying on treatment, but I don;t know where you live.
Do you know if this was becasue your CD4 count was very strong when you started treatment.
Your baby is not at risk so long as you do not breakfeed.
If you email more details I am happy to look for more information.
i found out am Hiv+ while i was 8mnths n i started Arvs right away i used them until i gave birth, and aftr birth my child tested negative i gave him nevarapine nw he’s on batrim the thing is the time they tested my viral load they find it undectable. And they stoped me frm Avrs so a worried that i might infect my child since i no longer on treatment bcos he’s only 3mnths turning 4mnths on 6 May
Please see the answer above. The only way to increase your CD4 count is to use HIV treatment.