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 Richard. I had been tested HIV positive some five years ago and I started art immediately upon testing positive.
My recent viral load indicated that I had 70 copies.
Is it also likely to be tested positive if I go for another blood test as it was requested by my girl friend for marriage?
Thanks.
Hi Paris,
I’m so sorry to hear your story. It sounds like you’re going through a very tough time.
What do they say at the clinic? Are you able to get the heart doctor and the HIV doctor to work together to help you recover?
What country do you live in?
hey my name is paris i found out last yr i am hiv i am a single mom i had a heart attack lst yr i am using oxyend when my chest closed up i am so sad unhappy i can tell my kids fam or friends i will die i was size40 now 28 so sad my mouth keep on geting s
Hi Kavi,
It’s good to hear your son is starting treatment in a week’s time.
Hi my son going take this medicine Zidovudine 300mg x 2 times a day
Lamnivudine 150mg x times a day
Efavirenz 600mg x 1 time a day
After a week.. (his having his degree exam now.. He is still studying)
Hi Kavi,
It’s good that you’re able to consult the doctor about your son’s treatment. Does he finish his exams soon?
He haven’t access to his viral load yet.
He was taking 4life transfer factor
Plus advance before his treatment. The Doctor already given him some medicine but for the time being his not taking yet coz his having his exam and he might have side effect. We already consult the and they also agree.
Hi Kavi,
It’s great that your son is starting HIV medication today. What meds is he taking?
A CD4 count of 586 is within the normal range for someone who is HIV negative. So that looks good. Does he have access to his viral load result? The HIV meds can dramatically reduce viral load within the first few days of treatment.
Please see this Q&A about HIV treatment reducing viral load by 90% in the first few days.
Here is an introduction to starting HIV treatment (ART).
Today my son first result is out and his cd4 count is 586 and today he will start his medication. What should I do and is this ok
Hi Pat,
The simple answer is, yes it is possible if you start taking ARVs.
Please see this similar question and answer. As Simon says, using ARV treatment (ART) as soon as possible is important. ART will reduce the serious risk of HIV-related health complications. The medicines will still work for you even if your CD4 count is low.
As your CD4 count is under 50 your doctor should also give you antibiotics to protect you from other infections. Antibiotic treatment should continue until your CD4 count gets much higher (at least above 200, maybe above 350).
What does the doctor about starting ART as soon as possible?