35 years old Dotun sent a Direct Message to the @offiicialnibucaa Twitter account, He wrote, ‘‘ I am a 35 years old man living with HIV/AIDS, I have heard that people who have underlying medical conditions have died from Covid-19. There are also varying news about how Covid-19 affects People Living with HIV/AIDS. Should I be bothered? Please help’’.
The Covid 19 pandemic has taken the world by surprise and upended lives. As of today, there are over 150 million confirmed cases of the virus and over three million deaths globally.

Facts

• People living with HIV and on effective antiretroviral treatment (ART) do not appear to be at more risk of getting COVID-19.People living with HIV with low CD-4 count and are not on antiretroviral treatment may be at a greater risk.
• Studies suggests that HIV is less of a risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection than other health conditions.
• Older people living with HIV and those with other serious underlying health conditions should take extra precautions to prevent illness.
• The current COVID-19 vaccines are believed to be safe for most people, including people living with HIV.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms that may be consistent with the Covid-19.

Is COVID-19 worse in people living with HIV?

Millions of People living with HIV (PLWH) worldwide are concerned about the impact of Covid19 on their health. However, there are no proofs confirming that people living with HIV are at greater risk of severe covid-19 illnesses, there is evidence that suggests that people with other health conditions like diabetes, respiratory disorder stroke, severe asthma attack, or older age are more at risk than someone living with the HIV virus. PLWH on antiretroviral treatments and are observing the Covid-19 protocol should have no cause for alarm.

Are some people living with HIV more prone to getting ill?

Yes, people living with HIV (PLHIV) who have weakened immune systems because of a low CD4 cell count and are not taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) will be prone to increased risk of other infections.

Is the Covid-19 Vaccine Safe for people Living with HIV?

The Covid-19 vaccines have gone through safety tests and have been approved by regulators to be safe for most people, including people living with HIV.

Can HIV medicine (ART) be used to treat Covid-19?

There is no strong evidence suggesting that HIV Antiretrovirals is effective in treating the Covid-19 virus.

AS someone living with HIV, How can I protect myself from Covid-19?

According to the National Centre for Disease Control, everyone, including people living with HIV, should adhere to recommended Covid-19 precautions by maintaining hand and respiratory hygiene to avoid and reduce the risk of infection.

• Make sure to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser.
• Maintain at least 1-metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wear a mask always.
• Limit social gatherings and time spent in crowded places
• Cough and sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue and dispose of the used tissue immediately.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical help and call the NCDC toll free for prompt response.