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 Thabiso,
The ARVs that you mother will be offered will depend on where she lives. Modern ARVs are very effective. As for keeping her healthy and fit, it is being on treatment that will help her. Her weight loss may be due to her HIV. However, only her doctor will be able to tell her that.
Hi admin, my name is Thabiso. My mother has just found out that she is HIV positive, it appears like it’s been she has had it. Now he found out this week when he went for testing and other tests were taken as well. She is going for the next check up on Monday, she is still strong but she lost weight and it also appears that she losses it day by day. I’m not sure of her CD4 count but in the mean time how do I keep her healthy and fit ? What kind of ARV will she be taking ? I hear there is a variety of them and it depends on the level of CD4 count.
Hi Nolungile, please talk to your doctor. The baby still needs to use nevirapine until the doctor says this is okay. It will only be for a short time.
Hi! I would like to know if Its possible to leave the baby after birth not giving him a nevarapine? After the doctor checked and tell u that the baby is negative?
Hi Yaya – it is good that you are back on treatment again. The is a really good chance that your next tests will show that everything is okay. Good luck with everything – and if you have trouble please talk to your doctor and clinic so they can help.
hi, I have been hiv positive for 8years,I defaulted twice,but now am back on my treatment, it’s been a three months now, so am really worried that this treatment is not working anymore, waiting to do blood tests at six months
Hi Goody, it is good you are on HIV treatment. The boil sounds uncomfortable and so it is good to see a doctor about this. The boil should be treated the same way as it would for an HIV negative person, but you really need to get this checked.
I was tested HIV positive February and i have being on ART since then. Am having external hemorrhoid and presently with serious pain after every boil movement ie (after stooling). Am thinking of surgical operation of the hemorrhoid and am scared, please i need a medical advice.
Hi Thabo, it if good that the fungal infection has cleared up – anitfungal treatment usually helps. If you are taking HIV treatment, then your coudnt is good. If you are not on treatment yet, then all guidleins recommend that this would be a good time for you to start.
My name is Thabo thanks for your answer. My fungal infection was Candida Albicans and it has now cleared. Please advise me am I in danger if my cd4 count is 315?