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 my name is Gugu. I was recently diagnosed with lymph node TB and HIV. ì have been on treatment for one month now with Atroiza and Rifafour. my cd4 count is 93 and my viral load 174000 copies. I’ve endured both the sets of side effects but I find myself getting weaker instead. is this normal. am I still going to recover. I’m worried.
Hi Raju, I am sorry to hear about your results but it is better you know now so you can access good monitoring and treatment. Modern HIV meds (called ART) mean you can lead a normal life and stay health and active. Most of the world’s HIV medicines actually come from India. Although this might feel like a shock right now, it will get easier. Your doctor should test your CD4 count and hopefully viral load. Please write back if you have more questions. This link might also help:
http://i-base.info/hiv-positive/
Hi I am from Karnatak, I am 23 old and 2 days ago I found out that I am HIV positive. I m so worried about my future. Is there is any cure for HIV? Please suggest me. My family completely depended on me.
Hi Christine, I am sorry that i-Base don’t share personal details for people to connect. Do you life in the same city? If yes it should be easy to meet.
Kindly let me talk to Mr Michael. share his email address.
Hi James, it is great you have started treatment. Different people take different timed to get their viral load to undetectable. Usually this is within three months, but it can sometimes take a bit longer if viral load is higher than 100,000 when you start. Your CD4 could shout steadily increase over the same time.
More info about Virady (a version of Atripla) is here:
http://i-base.info/guides/1561
I was recently diagnosed with HIV-1 in Oct 2017. I started ART (Viraday), my cd4 is 384 & vl is 164,000. How long will it take to recover?
Hi Lee, if it good that you were diagnosed while your CD4 count was still pretty strong and also good that your doctor advised you to start treatment. Eflaten is one of the most widely used combinations globally. It is good at reducing viral load and getting your CD4 count to increase.
None of the three drugs in Eflaten are likely to cause you to loose weight or look ill. One of the drugs (efavirenz) can change your mood though and give you vivid dreams, so be careful for the first few weeks in case you get these side effects. The link below has more information.
Good luck with treatment – and please let me know if you either have trouble or have other questions.
See:
http://i-base.info/guides/1561
and
http://i-base.info/guides/side/cns-side-effects
Hello
I’m Lee, I’m 23yrs old and I’ve recently tested positive (December 2017) with a CD4 count of 225 and my doctor said I should get started on ART this week – using Eflaten. I want to know how effective is this medicine. I’m worried about losing weight as I don’t want any one to know I’m sick. I’m a socialite as I’m always out with my friends, will drinking set me back?
Hi Rao, I have sent you an email to the address you included and I reduced you comment so it just had the general details. HIV treatment needs to include three HIV drugs. this does not include co-trimoxazol. Do you know your CD4 count now? HIV meds should mean you can still lead a normal active life. Please email me any other questions.