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 Faith,
Is TimJan a herbal supplement? There is no evidence to support that TimJan is beneficial for treating HIV.
However, the important question is, are you on HIV treatment (called ART)? If so, what HIV meds are you taking? It’s important to talk to your doctor about your HIV meds if you have kidney problems.
What does your doctor say about your HIV treatment and your kidney function?
Do you have access to you CD4 count and viral load.
I am HIV and like to Tim Jan, and I am suffering from kidneys
Hi Grace,
Yes! HAART – or ART as we call it now – really does work.
Where do you live Grace? There could be organisations that can support you and help you start ART. There is no need to feel shame at all.
Please let us know where you are and we can see if there’s help and support near you.
Here’s a guide to starting ART. There’s lots of information in this.
Hello jus asking if haart really works have been hiv+ since 2015 and am still in denial I think I will die.ts 2019 and av never tested again.am afraid of people around me to the shame .
Hi Zanele,
As Simon says above, the only way to increase your CD4 count is to use HIV treatment (ART).
What HIV meds are you taking? Do you have access to your viral load and CD4 count? Please let us know.
what can i do to lift my cd4 and my viral beside treatment please
Hi Sabeeha,
As Simon says above, the only way to increase your CD4 is to use HIV treatment (ART).
Do you have access to ART? And do you know your CD4 count and viral load? Please let us know.
What drug used to increase cd4 count
Hi Pule,
What ARVs were you taking? What were the liver issues? Do you know what your viral load is?
On 2018 April my dr stop my arv due to liver problem.ths year whn I check my cd4 count was still high 1000.my consent is can I take arv again cos my liver now is stabilized.nd will arv work again.im worried