Question
How can I increase my CD4 count without ARVs?
8 January 2016. Related: All topics, Newly diagnosed, South 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 TM, modern HIV medicines have much fewer side effects and much less chance of body changes.
Does ART treatment change a person’s body like the first ARV they used to give to HIV persons?
Hi Aysher. Average life expectancy for someone your age who is diagnosed with a CD4 count above 350 and who starts treatment is an additional 50 or so years. This means that if you are careful taking your meds, you could easily live to you are 75 years old. That is a lot of time to fill. Continuing with your studies, getting married and have a family all seem like good to things to do, if you want to. Also, you do not have AIDS, you are just HIV positive. The term AIDS is rarely used now. Even if people get very sick, it is generally referred to as “advanced HIV infection”.
Hi… My name is Aysher I’ve just diagnosed as HIV+. My CD4 is 890. I take my medics everday as prescribed. Am 24 how many more years can I live with Aids! Should i go on with my studies? Is it ok for me to get married?
Hi Onetime, if your HIV tests are negative, there is no evidence that you have are HIV positive.
I’m newly diagnosed my test are still saying negative but I know that it is HIV they won’t give me any other test other than antibody test I feel for everyone on here and did slot if research want to let everyone know that CD4 is important it’s reducing the viral load that is the goal…
Hi Akshay,
The only way you can increase you CD4 count is by being on ARVs. There is no other way.
As you have a low CD4 count, if you are not on meds, it is important that you start. If you aren’t on meds you are more likely to have opportunistic infections. As your CD4 is below 200 your doctor should be prescribing an antibiotic called Setrin or Bactrim.
As for how long you will live, I can’t answer this. ARVs are very effective though.
My cd4 count is 174… How to increase count… I don’t know what to do… will increas, or not?? … After that what are may chances to live?
Hi Surender,
Please see a doctor about the discharge, in case this is an STI.
My name is Surender I’ve just diagnosed as HIV+.My CD4 is 512. From my penis there is a white discharge releasing and I’m in pain.
Please help me.