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
I would to known the answer on my questions
Thanks
Hi Yvonne,
This sounds like very poor care indeed.
But if you live in South Africa you can try the Treatment Action Campaign to see if they can help. They have a contact page where you can email in a question.
Hi i was using arv’s but i moved to another twn and the i used to take my pills there is very far and its difficulty to get transfer and i try to apply again and my doctor said i will received the sms and confirmation call till now I didn’t receive any one , now I’m confused and now is the 2nd month without pills plz assist me if u can
Hi Reuben, Many thanks for your comment.
Thanks a lot after going through all the questions and answers am relieved though am taking my drug effectively.
Hi Joe,
Many thanks for your story. It’s great that you’re doing so well.
Hi everyone
I would like to share my story with you guys coz I love you,
I found out that I’m positive 2008 I was 27 years old n I was so stressed I only thought I will die, I didn’t even went for CD4 count, I thought living healthy is enough bt then I noticed that there are things happening in my body showing that my immune system is getting weak up until last year January I decided to go for my CD4 count n it was 27 I started taking ARVs n I last checked my CD4 in May this year n it was 380_something.
My point is that taking ARVs, avoid stress by sweating it out mybe by a simple jog or push ups or going to gym, drinking water n proper sleep really works for me n I also think it would work for everyone living with the virus.
I live a very normal life I quit drugs n smoking bt I still have a drink about once a month bt I make sure that I come home early
Take care
Hi Charles,
If your friend has a rash they should discuss this with a doctor.
Pls a friend have been taking ART since early March dis year uptil date but he is still having rashes and itching of d body does it mean dat the ART is not working for him?
Hi Getrude,
Please see Q13 here: http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions