Question
What will boost my CD4 count?
13 January 2018. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Hi i was given Atenaf 2weeks back with my partner, then we did blood tests..results showed that my CD4 is lower. they gave me winthrop,Nucotrim..do i need to take them both as they seem to do the same thing?And what is good way for me to boost my CD4 count?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
CD4’s are boosted/increased by ARVs, therefore you’re already doing the best thing possible.
You’ve said that your CD4 is low, do you know what it is?
With regards to the other medications that you’ve been given, this is something that you should talk to your doctor about as they should be able to explain why you’ve been given them. They are however commonly given to people when their CD4 is less than 200.
Hi Lerato, are you on HIV treatment?
The best and only way to boost CD4 count is by being on HIV treatment.
Unlike viral load which is directly suppressed by treatment, CD4 count is naturally regenerated by the body. This is why the response to treatment is much slower than viral load.
What is your viral load currently? When suppressed, HIV is no longer damaging your immune system and your body will be able to naturally recover its CD4 cells. There is no additional medication/or thing you need to be doing to help boost this process.