H1N1 Flu and People Living with HIV
Updated June 08, 2015.
If you have HIV or AIDS and are wondering what you should do about the H1N1 flu, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published recommendations in the fall of 2009. Below is what the CDC considers to be the most important information about H1N1 flu if you are HIV-infected:
For example, it's well known that people with HIV do not get seasonal flu any more often than people without HIV. However, what we do know is that HIV-infected people are at a greater risk for complications, such as pneumonia, from the seasonal flu. So we can surmise that the same holds true for H1N1 flu -- that HIV-positive people have a higher risk of flu complications than the general public.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control; "What Adults with HIV Infection Should Know About the Novel H1N1 Flu (formerly called swine flu)"; 5 Aug 2009.
Kalra, S; "CDC Issues Recommendations For HIV Infected Individuals About H1N1 Swine Flu"; The AIDS Beacon; 9 Sept 2009.
If you have HIV or AIDS and are wondering what you should do about the H1N1 flu, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published recommendations in the fall of 2009. Below is what the CDC considers to be the most important information about H1N1 flu if you are HIV-infected:
Are HIV-Positive People More at Risk for H1N1 Flu?
While it may not make a whole lot of sense to anyone living with HIV, there is no data that suggests that HIV-infected people are at a greater risk for H1N1 flu than people without HIV.For example, it's well known that people with HIV do not get seasonal flu any more often than people without HIV. However, what we do know is that HIV-infected people are at a greater risk for complications, such as pneumonia, from the seasonal flu. So we can surmise that the same holds true for H1N1 flu -- that HIV-positive people have a higher risk of flu complications than the general public.
How Can HIV-Positive People Protect Themselves from H1N1 Flu?
HIV-infected people should take the following precautions to protect themselves from H1N1 flu:- Wash your hands with soap and water several times during the day. If soap and water is not available alcohol-based hand cleansers will work as well.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth in order to stop the spread of bacteria and viruses.
- Avoid coming in close contact with people who are sick or have symptoms of illness.
- Staying healthy will help you maintain a healthy immune system. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating right, getting plenty of sleep, stop smoking, and reduce stress as much as possible.
- If you are taking HIV medications or prophylaxis medications, continue to do so each and every day as prescribed.
- Continue seeing your HIV specialist as scheduled. If you have any symptoms of illness, don't wait; notify your HIV specialist as soon as possible.
- Pay attention to news alerts and recommendation from the CDC to make sure you're informed on the latest updates.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control; "What Adults with HIV Infection Should Know About the Novel H1N1 Flu (formerly called swine flu)"; 5 Aug 2009.
Kalra, S; "CDC Issues Recommendations For HIV Infected Individuals About H1N1 Swine Flu"; The AIDS Beacon; 9 Sept 2009.