You can become infected by inhaling the virus if you are near someone with COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface followed by your eyes, nose or mouth.
To date more than 100 Million people are infected worldwide and more than 2.2 Million people have died from this disease.
COVID-19 and HIV
We are still learning about COVID-19 and how it affects people with HIV. Based on what we know so far, we believe that people with HIV who are on effective treatment have the same risk of COVID-19 as people who do not have HIV.
Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, lung disease or obesity may be at increased risk of serious illness. Chronic smokers are also at risk of more serious disease.
People living with HIV who are either not on treatment or do not adhere to their treatment regimen have a compromised immune system and are therefore at risk of serious disease if they were infected with the SARS CoV2 virus.
This includes people who have:
Low CD4 count (<350 cells),
High viral load (> 1000c / ul)
And / or a recent opportunistic infection (eg: Pulmonary Tuberculosis).
People living with HIV who are not on treatment or who fail their current treatment regimen, are also more susceptible to respiratory tract infections. For this reason, it is important for HIV + patients to remain on their medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider.
Similar to the general population, older people with HIV with other underlying health conditions should adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen for those conditions.
Being Ready For COVID-19
Vaccines for covid-19
Many new vaccines have been developed to help prevent the spread of this pandemic. In December 2020 several countries began to give urgent approval for the use of the vaccines. We are also hopeful that we will start offering vaccines to everyone soon.
The vaccines approved for use are all considered safe for people living with HIV. To be approved, vaccines must pass a number of safety trials, and be reviewed by national regulators to ensure they are safe and effective. Many of the COVID-19 vaccine trials involved people living with HIV.
As with the general population, for people living with HIV, the vaccines help your body develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 – so you can fight it by if open
Even after vaccination, it is important to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19 transmission until virus outbreaks have dropped to a safe level.
Key Points:
• People living with HIV and on effective antiretroviral (ART) treatment do not appear to be at increased risk of COVID-19.
• Our understanding of the risk of developing severe COVID-19 in people living with HIV is evolving. Current evidence suggests that HIV is less of a risk factor for severe COVID-19 than other health conditions.
• People living with HIV who are not on treatment or who have been directly prevented may be at greater risk. Talk to a healthcare professional for more information on how to stay healthy.
• As with the general population, older people living with HIV and those with other underlying health conditions should take extra precautions to prevent illness.
• Get a 30-day supply of ART in your home. If possible, ask for three months.
• Current COVID-19 vaccines are thought to be safe for people living with HIV.
• We are continuing to learn about COVID-19. Remember to stay in touch with your healthcare provider and follow government advice.
Article submitted as part of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 public information and education program
