COVID-19 and HIV co-infection
COVID-19 Microchapters |
Diagnosis |
---|
Treatment |
Case Studies |
COVID-19 and HIV co-infection On the Web |
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of COVID-19 and HIV co-infection |
Risk calculators and risk factors for COVID-19 and HIV co-infection |
For COVID-19 frequently asked inpatient questions, click here
For COVID-19 frequently asked outpatient questions, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Harmeet Kharoud M.D.[2]
Synonyms and keywords:
Overview
- An observational prospective study found out that the incidence of HIV-infected individuals to be affected by SARS-CoV-2 was similar to the general population.
- Specific antiretroviral therapy did not affect COVID-19 severity.
- Immunosuppression(low CD4 cell counts) was associated with COVID-19 severity.
- Patients with HIV infection often have other comorbidities(lung disease, cardiovascular disease) therefore, increasing the risk for severe-COVID-19 disease.
- Patients with HIV infection with CD4 cell count<200/mm3 are at increased risk for complications from other respiratory infections. However, we do not know if this is the scenario with COVID-19.
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk
- At present people with HIV who are at greatest risk of Severe COVID-19 infection are people -
- who have lowCD4 cell count.
- not on antiretroviral therapy.
Presentation
- There hasn't been any observable difference in clinical presentation among people with HIV infection as compared to the general population.
- Common symptoms for COVID-19 are
- Fever or chills
- Cough[1]
- Shortness of Breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or Body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore Throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Recommendations for Patients with HIV
- Maintain the supply for antiretroviral therapy for a minimum of 30 days.
- Virtual visit and telemedicine should be considered for non-urgent care and non-adherence counseling
- People with suppressed HIV viral load and in stable health, should postpone their routine medical care and laboratory visits to the extent possible.
- If they develop symptoms of COVID-19 like fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc they should seek medical advice.
- They should make sure their vaccination status is updated.