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 Kudzie,
It’s common to be in shock when you’ve just been diagnosed with HIV. Give yourself a moment to breath, you’re going to be OK. Talking to someone might help.
If you want to control your HIV, you’re going to need to take ARVs. Yes, this can be scary, but taking ARVs is really important. Please see here: http://i-base.info/guides/starting
Without ARVs, you’re HIV won’t be controlled.
I just find out that im hiv positive mh cd4 count its 300 but im not ready for treatment im still on shock now is it possible for me to stay away from sex and control my hiv without taking treatment
Hi Segakwe,
I’m sorry to hear your partner is so unwell.
But is he on treatment for HIV and TB? Sometimes treating both HIV and TB can be complex. Has he seen the doctor about coughing blood?
Please talk to the doctor about what treatment your partner should be taking. You can find out how this treatment should work over the following weeks.
And if he has access to his CD4 count and viral load results, please do let us know.
If you live in South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign for local support.
I’m worried about my partner he had HIV and Tb what should I do to help he cough blood
Hi Zinhle,
As Lisa says here, its recommended that everyone who is positive should be on HIV treatment.
The START study showed that HIV treatment (ART) has important benefits for your health, even if your CD4 count is still high.
Here’s ART in Pictures. There’s lots of info here about how ART works to keep HIV under control.
I’v been living with HIV for almost 9 years now and I feel like I’m not ready for treatment.i was never sick ,but my only problem is the constipation.
Hi Kuki,
If your viral load is high and you aren’t new to ARVs this would imply that you’re meds aren’t working. This is something that you’ll need to talk to your doctor about.
Helo I’m so young in age I’m hiv positive I take my medication correctly but my viral load it’s too higher what can I do about that
Hi Mavis,
Are you losing lot of weight? If so you can talk to the doctor about it and ask for advice about diet.
But how’s your treatment going? What HIV meds are you taking, and do you have access to your viral load and CD4 results? Please let us know.
Here’s the i-Base guide to a balanced diet and your health. There are lots of tips in the guide about getting the right balance between carbs, protein, fat, fibre, vitamins, minerals and water. This could help keep your weight up.
Why am I still growing lean as I’m taking ART ?