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 am seli am HIV positive and 4 months pregnant now, so I got my medication today which is tribuss, but now I couldn’t ask my Dr when is the good time to take them and how many dose daily
Hello Sibongabonke,
1387 is a strong CD4 count. But guidelines for HIV treatment recommend that ART can start at any CD4 count. That’s because the potential benefits outweight the potential disadvantages. So starting ART can reduce the risk of other illnesses. You can read more about it here. Over time HIV reduces the CD4 count by using CD4 cells to make copies of itself. But it’s great that you currently have a strong CD4 count.
Hello…
I’m concerned about my Cd4 count…
Last year August it was 980…
It increases to 1387 on the 23 of January …
I’m not on treatment…
What is happening?
Hi Tiffany,
Has your viral load even gone below 50?
When you say your CD4 is wrong, what do you mean by this?
Hi my name is Tiffany and I am HIV positive have been since 2008. I’m really struggling right now because I can’t seem to get my viral undetectable it in the 100’s right know which means my cd4 i is wrong as well I’m on Triumeq what more can I do to get my numbers right.
Hi Grace,
The only thing that can reduce a persons viral load is ARVs. Neither ginger, or garlic will be of any benefit.
Can ginger and garlic helps to reduce viral load ?
Hi Beatrice,
What ARVs are you taking? Which vitamins do you wish to take?
I am hiv postive and on treatment. Can I take vitamins too? Thanks
Hi Anny,
Sorry but i-Base is a treatment information service in the UK. You can ask a question about HIV treatment from anywhere in the world and we will answer it. But we don’t focus on insurance for travellers. Do you have any HIV positive friends in the US who you can ask?