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 Thabuso,
If your doctor has already prescribed you ARVs, then yes you start taking them. Please see here: https://i-base.info/guides/starting
Hi I’m hiv positive an I’m still waiting for my blood test, can I take ARV in the meantime cs I’m loosing wait
Hi Zinhle,
It’s great to hear that you want to restart taking ARVs. Given that you’ve been off them for a long time, it’s important that you have your CD4 count as well as viral load tested. Your doctor will be able to tell you about treatment options.
Hi,6 years back I was taking hiv treatment then I stop taking it now I want to take it can I?
Hi Thembani,
It’s not possible for me to say if this is the right treatment for you. Odimune is however a very effective ARV.
I was diagnosed with HIV six months ago my CD4 counts was 174 and started treatment immediately using Odimune is this the right treatment
Hi Suzan,
Please let us know what ARVs you are taking.
For example, side effects of efavirenz can include sleep disturbance (including nightmares), mood changes (including anxiety and depression), and rash. This ARV is included in the single pill Atripla.
Please talk to your doctor about your symptoms to check if they are side effects. You can ask to change to different ARVs that will be easier for you to take.
Hi , please advise, I have started taking ARV meds for 4 months now and im now encountering uncontrollable hotflushes, joint pains and nightmares. My doctor told me that they would stop by 3 months but they haven’t. She told me never to take other pain meds besides panado. It’s not helping my pains at all. Please advice. What can I take for hotflushes?? The nightmares are stressing me because I’m not getting any sleep, I’m always tired
Hi Ts,
If you’re asking how long will it take before a persons viral load will rebound, it’s usually about a week.
How long can an undetected viral load be detected when one stops taking arvs