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 Vhance,
When you say that you don’t have the same body as before, what do you mean?
Hi,
My CD4 is 356 taking ARV for almost 3 months. I feel better and getting back in shape but not the same body I have before. What should I do?
Hi Anonymous,
If your viral load has increased then this is a possible sign that the meds are no longer worker and that you’ll need to change. Please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/changing
This is something that you’ll need to talk to your doctor about. You should also talk to them about the rash.
If your viral load has increased and you’ve been having sex without using a condom your partner will need to test.
hello,
I have being living with HIV positive since 2006 and started my medication in 2011. my partner is negative and we dont use condom, pls i don’t want him to get it. But I just received a call from clinic that my viral load is very high and my cd4 has dropped to 487. am very scared because am having rashes and itching body. please what can I do to reduce the viral load ? since I have being taking my drugs as prescribed, thou I skip some few days. also how can i treat the rashes and itching body. pls ur urgent advice is needed.
Hello I am HIV positive too first time I found my blood positive CD163 and viral load 100.000 it’s was terrible to know this. But I take medicine and feel better CD4 go up 250 . For 3years that I have taken medicine ,my CD4 568 now. Viral load undetectable less than 40. Don’t be sad . HIV it’s just a virus stay inside ur blood u need to stay positive ,happy . First time I known I have HIV I feel so shock and sad .now I learn about HIV more and stay with them with my healthy body .
Hi Delisia,
Its not possible to tell how long someone has been positive from their CD4 count. To know when you contracted HIV you’ll need to think about when you had risky sex. This may help you to know when you became infected.
I just got tested and my cd4 counts are 115 can the doctors not tell u how long have u been affected
Hi Jimmy,
Its very common that it can take time for a persons CD4 count to rise, especially when someone starts with a very low CD4 count. Given that you’ve only been on meds for 9 months, you’re doing really well. With regards to when will your CD4 reach 500. It isn’t possible to say.
My cd4 count last Jan.2017 was 6 and I started treatment, this month September2017 my cd4 count is 92, my question is: is this acceleration of cd4 slow or just normal, how long does my cd4 reach 500, nway im taking ART as prescribed..
Please answer..God Bless
Hi Anita,
I’d go and have a CD4 and viral check up and also start ARVs. No God can heal HIV.