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 Lisa I’m HIV positive and have been for the past 20yrs.I was on ARV for over ten years and recently my body started rejectind my meds.and I when they did the viral load tests they found out that my immune system was getting lower and my viral load was up to 630000 basically it ruling my system. But due to the fact that u was using govement clinic this never raised an alarm in my Dr .I kept telling them something was not rite and they looked at me like I was an idiot as the result I stopped my meds and went on herbal tinctures so far I’m okay my skin has cleared but my energy levels they very low as I also work two Jobs I want to go back to the ARV meds but will it help this time around
Hi Charles2,
The only thing that can reduce a persons viral load is ARVs. What ARVs are you on? When did you start meds? What was your viral load when you started meds? What is it now?
I’m on a ARVs but my viral load is still high, what must I do to reduce it?
Hi Noel,
The only thing that can help a person control their HIV are ARVs.
Good day leaders ,
Is there any other mode of treatment apart from taking ARVS?
Noel
Hi Joseph,
Its great to hear that you want to restart meds, this is a good thing. What you need to do is go and see your doctor. They will need to retest your CD4 count and viral load and also see if you’ve developed any resistance. Once you’ve done this, then you’ll be able to start meds again.
I WAS ON TREATMENT AND I Stopped, WHAT MUST I DO?
Hi Tsakani,
I can’t say why your eyes hurt or why you have sores. This could be related to your HIV, it could also be something else. Do you know what your CD4 count is?
With regards to not being on meds. The World Health Organisation recommend that everyone is on meds. Therefore, this is something that you should be thinking about. More so if you have a low CD4 count.
My eyes hurt and I’ve got sores. I’m not on meds, will be OK?
Hi Kunle,
Other than the ARVs are you taking anything else? Also how much weight have you lost? Have you had any side effects?
The only thing that can help your HIV is ARVs. Therefore, you are already doing the right thing.