COVID-19 Information for People Living with HIV

COVID-19 Information for People Living with HIV
Updated: Mar 16, 2020

Learn about how people with HIV can protect themselves from COVID-19.

If you are printing this for yourself or to give to others with no additions, you should only print page one. If you would like to add local resources for your tribe or urban Indian community, add them to page two and then print front and back.

Contents

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus that has not been found in people before. It can lead to lower respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis.¹

How is COVID-19 spread?

• Close contact with an infected person (within 6 feet of you)
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• Contact with infected surfaces or objects then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes²

Am I at risk?

• If you are on stable anti-retroviral therapy and have a normal CD4 T-cell count, you have little to no increased risk for becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.^3,4
• If you have a low CD4 count—indicating a weakened immune system—you are at higher risk of becoming ill.^3,4
• Of those with a low CD4 count, older people and those with medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, renal disease, or diabetes have an even higher risk of becoming ill.^4,5

What are the symptoms?

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure. ⁶

There is a possibility that symptoms may appear differently for those with compromised immune systems, i.e. symptoms may be fewer and milder in the early stages of the virus but the level of disease present may be more severe, so it is important that you and your doctor are aware and observant.^3,7

How can I prepare for COVID-19?

• Ensure you have an ample medication supply
  • 30 days supply at all times
• Keep vaccinations up to date
  • Influenza and pneumococcal
• Establish plans for clinical care if isolated or quarantined
  • Telemedicine options
  • Physician online portals
• Maintain a social network with family and friends remotely
  • Social contact helps us stay mentally healthy and fights boredom.
  • Still, even if they may not seem ill, it is important to not have contact with others who can spread the virus.⁵

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

• Call ahead before visiting your doctor – DO NOT go to the clinic or hospital without calling ahead first.
• Monitor your symptoms. Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening.
• Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms except to get medical care.
• Wear a face mask if you have symptoms.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
• Avoid sharing personal household items.⁸

If you are concerned you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have questions regarding this disease, contact your local health department.

“People living with HIV are resilient. We have worked together tirelessly for quality of life and better health outcomes and will continue to do so.”

Rico Gustav, Executive Director, Global Network of People Living with HIV

List of Washington State and Seattle-area Resources

• Washington State Department of Health
  206-418-5500
• Washington State DOH HIV Client Services 
  (877) 376-9316
• Washington Information Network: Health, Human Services and Legal Resources
  206-461-3200 / 2-1-1
• King County Health Department HIV/STD Department
  206-263-2000
• Gay City
  206-860-6969

References

1. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). (2020, March 6). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
2. How COVID-19 Spreads. (2020, February 28). Retrieved March 3, 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html
3. UPDATED: What People With HIV Need to Know About the New Coronavirus. (2020, March 10). Retrieved from https://www.poz.com/article/people-hiv-need-know-new-coronavirus
4. ⁴ Coronavirus risk not significantly greater for those with ‘well controlled’ HIV. (2020, March 9). Retrieved from https://www.washingtonblade.com/2020/03/09/coronavirus-risk-not-significantly-greater-for-those-with-well-controlled-hiv/
5. CROI Aud D3b. (2020, March 10). Retrieved from https://special.croi.capitalreach.com/
6. Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). (2020, February 29). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
7. Download BHIVA apps. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bhiva.org/comment-on-COVID-19-from-BHIVA
8. Prevention and Treatment. (2020, February 15). Retrieved March 3, 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
9. Lessons learnt from the HIV response for COVID-19: Building community resilience. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gnpplus.net/lessons-learnt-from-the-hiv-response-for-covid-19-building-community-resilience/