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 Retha,
When you say that there hasn’t been any difference, what do you mean? Also if you’re new to meds it’s common to have some side effects, vomiting is one of these.
Hi my name is Retha. I am19 years old. I was dignose with hiv in February 2019 until I didn’t take medication untill August when I start to vomiting and get sick. I am taking my meds but no difference what can you advise me to do.
Hi Madzingira,
Please see Q’s 6, 9 and 14 here: http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
How do you have children if the man is negative and the woman is positive, coz the man might get infected whilst they are trying to get pregnant
Hi Success,
i-base are based in the UK. If you think that there may be an issue with supply, please contact your clinic.
Sandro ..i collect my meds at clicks around mamelodi, they usually send me a text massege but this month i didnt recieve it ..is the any shortages of ARV’s ? Im worried about my heath
Hi Fernando,
Sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Once you start HIV treatment (ART) your viral load can be dramatically reduced in the first few days. This will give your CD4 count the chance to recover.
We are not doctors at i-Base, but we give HIV treatment information to people who are HIV positive, and friends and family.
However, when you test HIV positive you will be tested for CD4 count and HIV viral load. Your CD4 count shows you the strength of your immune system. So a high CD4 count means your body can fight infections. A CD4 count of 890 is strong, and you will want to keep it high.
Your viral load shows how much HIV is in a sample of blood. Treatment for HIV aims to keep this low and at undetectable levels.
Please see ART in Pictures which explains HIV treatment.
And here’s an Introduction to ART for more information.
Please see EACS HIV treatment guidelines in Spanish.
And here are two i-Base guides, I=I and Cero.
Hello doctor, I’m from Mexico and i was recently diagnosed with hiv (july 6th) , my cd count is 890 … I’m worried because in my hospital they are taking ages to start giving me the treatment. How long it takes to decrease the number of cd4 ? Thank you
Hi Mpho,
I’m sorry to hear this. Especcially as starting ARVs is now recommended at any CD4 count.
What does the doctor say about starting ARVs with a CD4 count of 4 cells? Please talk to them and ask if you need other meds, such as antibiotics, to stop other infections.
Yes, people can have very low CD4 counts when starting ART, and their bodies can recover. But you do need to aks for expert help at the clinic while starting treatment.
Please let us know what ARVs you’re taking. And if you have access to your viral load result, please tell us what it is.
If you live in South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign. They have been campaigning for access to quality healthcare in SA since 1998.
Hi my name is Mpho
I was diagnosed with HIV in 2010 but that time they say cd4 must be 500 and lower before starting ARVs now it’s 2019 my cd4 is 4 I’m feeling sick and weak. When will my body recover, now I am on arvs