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 Neo,
At the moment ARVs are life long, this is unless a cure for HIV is found. What this means is that you need to take your meds daily, If you were to stop, your HIV wouldn’t be under control. This is because it’s ARVs that control a persons HIV.
HELLO
My name is Neo I just found out I’m hiv positive I started my treatment and my cd4 count is 311 please advise how long should I continue with this medication?
Hi Susan,
It’s good that you’re on ARVs. That the only way to make your immune levels stronger.
However, please talk to your doctor about the catscratches, boils and other symptoms. You can ask about what treatment there is for you.
Here’s a page from ART in Pictures. It shows how the immune system can recover when taking ARVs.
Do you have access to your viral load as well as your CD4 count? Please let us know. Please also tell us what ARVs you’re using.
Am on ARVs but my immunity levels are still quite low. Why and what can I do to make it stronger. Am having catscratches allover my body esp on my arms and legs, and lack of appetite, bloating and diarrhoea. Boils as well. This is giving me low self-esteem and stress.
Hi Anonymous,
It’s good to hear your treatments are working for weight gain, and that you’re eating healthy food and exercising. Your CD4 count looks strong at 750. But what’s your viral load result? Do you have access to this? Please let us know.
However, the only treatment that works against HIV is taking ARVs. So it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor and ask about your viral load and whether you should start thinking about starting ART.
Here’s an Introduction to ART for lots more info.
Pls take cipla actin it’s found in discherm for weight gain and get vitamin b injection every month or 2, I have been infected for more than 5years and never on ARV’s and to my surprise November I went to check my CD4 count it was 750 again don’t stop praying for God to perform the miracles was given arv still when they saw the CD4 count results but I divided the 5 into 10 to start with but I am not there to get to drink them I will continue with my routine of cipla, vit b, eating healthy and exercising more and praying what’s important is the balance diet to me, what works in me might help few people because our system is not the same
Hi Sithembile,
People all over the world are actively working on a cure for HIV. However, due to the complexity of the virus this is something that will take time. For now we have ARVs.
No one in 2019 should be dying due to HIV, if there are issues with stigma these need to be addressed.
I so wish that the department of health can do something to cure Hiv/aids. It’s not easy to go fetch pills every month people are dying because of fear
Hi Phello,
What medication are you taking?
Hi im worried of my weight will it pick up its only nearly one month on ART. My weight seems tto be goin under instead of up please help