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 Richard, are you taking HIV treatment? Also, do you get viral load tests to monitor treatment? If you can include these two pieces of information it is easier to comment.
I’m using arv and my cd4 is dawn to 228
Hi Manohar, are you on treatment? If not, you need to start.
If you are on treatment can you tell me which meds and how long you have been taking them. If your CD4 count used to be much higher and has been going down on treatment, ask your doctor if you can change you to another combination. Everyone is individual but you need treatment to increase your CD4 count to at least over 50 to avoid the most serious complication.
Are you taking antibiotics called cotrimoxazole? Is our doctor examining your eyes. Both this things are very important with such a low CD4 count.
What I do when cd4 count is now only 11.
Hi Bala, please talk to your doctor about this. Fertility treatment and advice is available to HIV positive people too. Your sperm count is not related to HIV or meds, so the fertility doctor will have more information.
I’m positiv since 2012 after runing some test i was told my sperm count is low,pls help me and my parent are disturbing me to get married how and why me ?b4 i do somethng stupid pls help me tnx.
Hi Abraham, please talk to your doctor is you are worried about your weight. Information about HIV and diet it at this link:
http://i-base.info/guides/side/diet-a-balanced-diet-and-your-health
What food that will help to gain wait or suppliment.
I have tested Hiv positive but my partner is HIV negative is this possible and I am pregnant they just tested me and give me treatment already they didn’t check my CD4. If you are Hiv positive even if your CD4 count is good is must to take treatment??
Hi Alex. with any skin problems – rashes and blister etc – it is important to see a doctor. This is important for your Mum. This is one of the subjects that i-Base can’t talk about in detail. A doctor or nurse needs to see this in person.