Does HIV increase the chance of getting infected by COVID-19?
In 2020, researchers discovered COVID-19 and other non-AIDS cancers were the significant causes of mortality among people affected with HIV. For example, the British HIV Association said that non-AIDS cancers caused six out of seven deaths.
COVID-19 is an illness brought about by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), whose different variants manifest symptoms ranging from cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, among others.
Today, antigen tests are available to know if you caught the virus. Call the nearest pharmacy to learn more about getting an antigen test in Hackbridge.
But how does COVID-19 affect people with HIV? Scroll down to know more.
Is There a Higher Risk of Infection for People with HIV?
Various studies conclude that infection among people with underlying health conditions is similar to those who do not have co-morbidities like HIV, diabetes, and heart conditions.
There is no conclusive evidence that people with HIV run a higher risk of acquiring the COVID virus than HIV-negative patients. For example, one US study compared 55,000 HIV-positive people and a 3.7 million group of HIV-negatives. The results yielded proportional testing rates for those infected in both groups.
Is There a Higher Risk of Death from COVID-19 for HIV-positive patients?
Studies have concluded that people who are at more significant risk of death due to COVID-19:
· Those of old age
· Patients who have gone through organ transplants
· People with other co-morbidities
People with HIV fall under the co-morbidities category. Some studies resulted in higher chances of death from COVID-19, but the literature is conflicting on how significant the risk is.
The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a study involving 15,000 cases of patients with HIV who were infected with COVID-19. The study found that HIV-positive patients have a 30% more chance of dying due to COVID19.
COVID-19 Prevention for People With HIV
When exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, it would be best to take a test. There are various tests available. For example, you can take a COVID-19 antigen test or a PCR test in Sutton if you live around the area. Meanwhile, some pharmacies also offer rapid COVID tests in Croydon.
Today. COVID-19 vaccine is available, and it is the most effective way to prevent a COVID-19 infection. Vaccine efficacy in HIV-positive people is high. Although vaccines do not prevent patients from the disease, it helps in managing severe symptoms.
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