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 Queen,
This could be due to you not being on medication, however it could also be due to numerous other reasons. The best thing to do is to consult a doctor.
Hi i test in 2012 hiv positive and it been six years now and am not taking any meds i feel fine but the problem is my skin is starting to ich every now and than what can i do please advice me?
Hi Quadri,
I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. But it’s great to hear you’ve started HIV treatment (ART) and that you’re taking your meds in the right way.
Starting ART means your viral load will drop and that will help your CD4 count to recover. Please see this page in ART in Pictures.
Smoking and drinking will not affect how well your meds work. But it’s good to think about lifestyle changes that can benefit your health. Please see lifestyle factors and your health at this link.
How is your treatment going? Do you have access to your CD4 count and viral load results? Please let us know.
I have HIV and am taken my meds accurately, can I smoke cigarette and drink alcohol?
Hi Anonymous,
When it comes to starting treatment, its no ones business other than yours. If your husband is against you starting medication, this is his issue not yours. This is because it’s your health that is at stake.
Though you may be worried about starting meds, you’re going to be OK. Yes, you may have some side effects, but this isn’t a given. Please see here: http://i-base.info/guides/side
It may be worth asking your husband why he isn’t being supportive and also explaining to him that once your on medication and your viral load is undetectable they’ll be no risk to him. Please see here: http://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
Hi I’ve decided to start arv treatment but my husband is against it because he tested negative and that stressed me a lot because he is the only person I’m counting on for his support pls help.
Hi Lethabo,
CD4 counts, can and do fluctuate. This could be a normal fluctuation. However, as you able to have it checked again?
If there was an issue with your HIV, your viral load would have rebounded. Due to it being undetectable, you’re HIV is under control.
Hi
Am on treatment nd viral load is undetectable bt my Cd4 is now 400 from 900 nd this is a worrisome factor for me.What cn I buy to supplement that
Hi David,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. But it’s great to hear that you’re going to be a father, many congratulations.
Starting to take HIV treatment (called ART) is the best way to protect your wife, and your kids, from HIV. And many of us who are HIV positive and on ART can now have a life expectancy the same as someone who is HIV negative.
More good news is that when your HIV viral load result is undetectable, there’s zero risk of HIV to your wife when you don’t use condoms. Please see Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) at this link.
It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor and make sure you have access to your viral load results over the next few months. Most people become undetectable within the first three months of ART. Please see this page from ART in Pictures.
If your wife is HIV negative then your unborn baby will be HIV negative too.
my wife is pregnant we tested i was found postive en she was neg automattically i was put on drugs how long will i live if meds properly taken en when to have another baby do i have the opportunity to have a healthy kid en wife, finally is my unborn baby be free from disease