COVID-19 and HIV co-infection
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COVID-19 and HIV co-infection On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of COVID-19 and HIV co-infection |
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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.
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
Specific Populations with HIV
Pregnancy
- Pregnant individuals with HIV are at greater risk for severe illness, morbidity, or mortality as compared with the general population due to coronavirus infections(SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) and other viral respiratory infections like influenza. Data related to COVID-19 is limited but pregnant individuals with HIV are suspected to be at greater risk due to SARS-COV-2 similarity with other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS).
- They are suspected to be at increased risk of preterm delivery, adverse neonatal outcomes, however, data is very limited.<refhttps://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.smfm.org/media/2267/COVID19-_updated_3-17-20_PDF.pdf </ref>
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.