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 Letisha,
This is something that your husband should talk to his doctor about. If he’s new to the ARVs, it could be these. However, it could also be something else.
Hi there, please I’m confused and needed help here. I’m Letisha, and would like to ask are few questions. My husband is a positive HIV and he always had a bag chronic dyrias and I’m wondering what food should he eat? I tries all the dyriers meds but doesn’t help him. Is there any meds that you could advice me please? I’m in Papua New Guinea. Thank you so much and well pleased to wait for your responds
Hi Cama at,
If you’re saying that you’re ready to restart taking ARVs, this is great news. Ideally what you should do is book an appointment to see your doctor. Explain to them that you’ve been off meds for 3 years, but that you’re now ready to restart. If it’s possible they should check your viral load as well as your CD4 count. They should also talk to you about your treatment options.
He dropped ARV for three years what should I do
Hi Nelly,
I’m sorry but I don’t understand why your treatment has been interrupted. I’m saying this because having a nose bleed wouldn’t be a reason to interrupt medication. Are you able to provide more info? If you have HIV you should be taking medication. This is more important if your CD4 count is low. Do you know what yours is?
What medication were you taking before? Have other options been discussed with you?
I am HIV positive and unfortunately i was given meds for AIDS and i developed nose bleed, the dr stopped me from taking the meds so that the system can get rid of the AIDS meds, but now the nose bleed is getting worse and i am very weak, i can only start with the HIV ARV in two weeks time. what can i use in the mean time.
Hi Walker,
If you’re HIV positive the only way to increase your CD4 count is to take HIV treatment (called ART). ART means taking at least 2 ARV drugs and most people are taking 3 or more ARV drugs. Often these drugs come in a single tablet.
Please see this page from ART in Pictures. This shows how ART dramatically reduces HIV to let your CD4 count recover to more normal levels.
If you have access to your viral load and CD4 count results, please tell us what they are.
What can i use without ARV for CD4 count??
Is lemon cure HIV
Pls help me.
Hi Alwaysclem,
Has your sister restarted her medication? Do you know what her CD4 count is? I’m asking as you’ve said she’s on the late stage.
My sister missed her ARV for two weeks and she is on the last stage, now she is seriously down…. what can be done for her