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 Simphiwo,
Yes the Tribuss will help you. It will help your CD4 count to rise as well as your viral load to decrease. Your HIV will, in time become controlled due to the ARVs. There’s more info about this here: http://i-base.info/guides/side
Hello I was dignosed that am hiv and cd4 count is 43 . I have already started Tribuss it’s already a monthly now . Will they help me ?
Hi Eddie,
What is it that you’d like to know?
I have a daughter and is HIV positive my girl and daughter is both negative and healthy.
Hi R.P.
Congratulations on the news that you’re going to be a father.
It’s good that your wife tested HIV negative. However, can I ask if you’re taking HIV treatment (ART)? If you are and you have an undetectable viral load you can not transmit HIV even if you don’t use condoms.
Please see this link to Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).
Please can you tell us more? What HIV meds are you taking, and do you know your CD4 count and viral load? Please let us know.
Hi i am HIV positive last three months and my wife is negative she is four months pregnant and last two months check HIV test but result is negative. My question is that my wife and my baby is safe or not safe please reply
Hi Tintswalo,
Please could you tell us about chemistry? What country do you live in? Here in the UK we get our ARVs from the clinic or hospital.
Can I buy ARV’s at chemistry
Hi Ashley,
That’s great news. If they always write undetectable it looks like your ARVs are working well. That’s because the aim of HIV treatment is to keep your viral load at such tiny levels the result comes back as undetectable.
Please see this similar Q&A
I’m HIV positive and I’m on medication (ARVs)everytime wen I go for check up they always write undetectable viral load. Please what does it meam