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.
I find out that I’m Hiv positive in 2009 February but till now I don’t take any medication only take for immune system but I’m still fine and strong. Is there any possibility that my cd4 can just drop down?
Hi Portia. Often these sort of side effects get better after a few days. Please talk to your doctor is they continue or if they are difficult.
I started with ARV now the problems I have is headache and drowsiness
Hi Alan – these results are very good. The undetectable viral show shows the meds are working and your CD4 count is strong – and will likely get stronger :)
hi i have just done another test it come undetectable – and my cd4 is 295 can some tell me if thats good please..
thanks
Hi Nthaby. Lots of people only find out they are HIV positive in pregnancy. This is difficult, but it is much better to know now so that you can take meds that with protect both you and your baby.
There are lots of couples where one partner still tests negative – and this is just luck. Using treatment will also reduce the risk to your partner.
The meds are very effective. They mean you can lead a long and normal life and will reduce that chance that your baby will have HIV. This guide has lots more info: http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
It’s great that you’re now looking after your own health.
Starting ARVs soon after testing positive can help your CD4 count to recover. The normal range for CD4 count, if you’re HIV negative, is anywhere between 400 and 1600. So your CD4 count is not too bad.
Many people get mild side effects in the first days and weeks after starting ARVs, but if they’re not giving you problems it does not mean they’re not working properly. You can ask your doctor for regular blood tests to confirm this.
Most people taking HIV meds take them for the rest of their lives. Modern HIV meds are easier to manage than when the first meds were made.
It’s important that your doctor makes sure you get a regular supply of ARVs. This can help keep HIV undetectable, and that can help keep you well for many years to come.
You can find out more about starting HIV treatment (ART) here:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
I just found out I am HIV positive last month with a CD4 count of 392 and it was just after I had an abortion. My doctor told me the abortion is the one which affected my CD4 count. So I am advised to start treatment, then I started on Monday 13 June and the ARVs are not giving me any problems at all from the 1st day. Does it mean they working well? Then I told my boy friend about my status and he was not even scared and never asked to see my results and from there my boyfriend disappeared does that mean he knew about this all along? Because when we met he saw my results and I was negative. I never saw his and all the time when I ask him to go with me for test he deny. Do you think that was his intentions to give me HIV? So since I started with the ARVs will there be a time where by my docter will tell me to stop or am I gonna use them for the rest of my life?
Hi, You can ask the doctor for treatments for candida or thrush. These antifungal medications can be lozenges, syrups or tablets.
It can help if you avoid eating food that contains refined sugar or wheat. Eating live unpasteurised yogurt can help stop oral thrush.
Now that you’re taking ARVs your CD4 count should increase. As your CD4 counts increases, thrush should occur less often – and can stop completely. CD4 counts can increase slowly in many people. But for now you can ask your doctor for antifungal treatments that will help.
Hi Simon, My doctor just found that I have oesophageal ulcers, candidal ulcers and my CD4 count is 80. Now I’m taking ARVs S4 Eftenem. How much time will it take for my CD4 count to increase? And what must I eat and not eat because sometimes when I eat some foods it becomes very sore.