COVID-19 and HIV: What People Living With HIV Need to Know

Are People With HIV at Higher Risk of Developing COVID-19 Infection?

Currently, there is not enough scientific proof to show a direct link between HIV and COVID-19. However, in the United States, around 1.2 million people live with HIV, and about half of them are 50 years or older.

People with HIV often live with other health problems because their immune system (the body’s defense system against infections) is weaker than normal. Being older and having other health conditions makes them more likely to experience serious complications if they get infected with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), the virus that causes COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019).

A recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO), which included data from 24 countries, showed that people with HIV have a higher chance of developing severe or critical COVID-19.

What Do You Need to Know About COVID-19 if You Have HIV?

A virus called SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19. It spreads when a person breathes in tiny droplets or particles from someone who is infected or touches their eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.

Anyone can get COVID-19, but some people are more likely to get seriously sick. Those with weak immune systems or other illnesses, including HIV, fall into this group. People living with HIV might have other health problems and lower immunity, which can make it easier for COVID-19 to infect them. If HIV is not being treated or is advanced, infection with COVID-19 can lead to hospital stays or even death.

Should You Get COVID-19 Vaccines if You Have HIV?

Yes, people with HIV should get vaccinated against COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for all people living with HIV, regardless of the amount of HIV in their blood or CD4 cell count (cluster of differentiation 4 - a protein found on immune cells). The type of vaccine and the schedule of doses may differ depending on a person’s age and the vaccine brand.

For people with advanced or untreated HIV, an additional primary dose may be given after the first round to help strengthen the immune system further. People with HIV need to discuss with their doctor whether they need extra doses or updated vaccines. While vaccines do not fully prevent COVID-19 infection, they greatly reduce the chances of severe illness, hospitalization, or death.

Can People With HIV Take the COVID-19 Vaccine Safely?

Clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines included people with HIV to test safety, effectiveness, and quality. The vaccines passed safety standards and are recommended for everyone eligible. The number of doses and timing depend on the vaccine received.

For people with advanced HIV or those not on effective treatment, an extra primary dose is recommended before taking the booster shot. People with HIV whose disease is controlled do not usually need this extra dose. Booster shots should be taken at the recommended time.

There is currently no evidence that suggests that the COVID-19 vaccines can interfere with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or antiretroviral therapy (ART).

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself From COVID-19 if You Have HIV?

People living with HIV should follow the CDC’s general safety measures to avoid exposure to COVID-19. Being fully vaccinated protects not only the individual but also people around them.

Ways to stay safe include:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

• Continuing HIV medications (ARVs - antiretroviral drugs) to strengthen the immune system.

• Keeping vaccinations up to date, including influenza (flu) shots.

• Ensuring at least a 30-day supply of HIV medications and other prescriptions.

• Attending medical appointments and following safety precautions, or using telemedicine when possible.

Can Pregnant and Breastfeeding HIV Patients Transmit COVID-19 to Their Babies?

The data on COVID-19 in pregnant or breastfeeding women are limited, so conclusions are not clear. Hence, HIV infected women with COVID-19 must follow the protocols as others and be careful not to pass COVID-19 to their babies through breathing or close contact.

These women must follow hygiene and infection control measures. They must wear medical-grade masks, wash or sanitize their hands each time before contact with their babies, and clean surfaces often.

A study by the CDC showed that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to need intensive care because pregnancy changes the immune system and body functions, which can overlap with COVID-19 symptoms.

Pregnant women showing signs of COVID-19 should be tested quickly to access specialized care. If infected, they should be isolated and given supportive care like non-pregnant women.

What Is the Treatment of COVID-19 for HIV-Positive Patients?

There is currently no cure for COVID-19 that works for everyone. Managing COVID focuses on relieving symptoms (palliative care). HIV medications do not treat COVID-19 and should not be stopped. People with HIV should continue their antiretroviral therapy without changing doses to prevent or treat COVID-19.

Patients in the hospital can continue HIV treatment along with care for any opportunistic infections (infections that happen because the immune system is weak). If doctors need to adjust HIV medications, they must consult an HIV specialist first.

Conclusion

People living with HIV should continue their HIV medications and follow CDC recommendations to prevent COVID-19. Even though there is no direct proof that HIV increases the risk of COVID-19. Individuals with a weakened immune system have more risk of developing severe complications if they get infected.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and immune system is very important. People with HIV should have at least a 30-day supply of medications. They should receive all the required vaccinations, including flu and pneumonia. Consult our HIV specialist doctors if you are someone with HIV and want to know more about preventing and managing COVID-19.

Key Takeaways

• People with HIV, especially those with weaker immune systems, may face more serious complications if they get COVID-19.

• COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for individuals with HIV, and extra doses may be needed for those with advanced disease.

• Continuing HIV medications, staying up to date on vaccines, and following safety measures can greatly reduce the risk of severe COVID-19.