In recent times, the world has faced the dual challenge of managing the COVID-19 pandemic alongside existing health concerns, such as the Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV). Talking to the team of OnlyMyHealth, Dr Ranga Santosh Kumar, Consultant General Physician & Diabetologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, said, “Individuals living with HIV who have not had viral suppression with Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) may have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to opportunistic infections and the advancement of HIV illness.”
HIV A Risk Factor For COVID
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), ART uses anti-HIV drugs to suppress HIV replication. “WHO data indicated that people living with HIV are at increased risk for development of severe illness and death due to COVID-19. This analysis found that the risk of developing severe fatal COVID-19 was 38% greater in this population when compared to people without HIV infection,” shared Dr Kumar.
This is because people living with HIV have a high prevalence of some comorbidities associated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and hypertension, informed Dr Kumar.
“Additionally, lower CD4 T-cell counts, which are a type of white blood cells, are associated with advanced HIV disease and several studies are suggesting that this HIV subpopulation is at greater risk for hospitalisation due to COVID-19 and mortality,” he said.
However, he added, “People with and without HIV present with COVID-19 clinically, even if they are on ART and have achieved HIV viral suppression.”
Preventing COVID In People With HIV
Considering this increased susceptibility to COVID, Dr Kumar suggested, “Sustaining efforts to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and lower the number of COVID-19 fatalities is crucial.”
Sharing some tips to prevent this phenomenon, he listed:
- When feasible, individuals with HIV who get COVID-19—including those who need to be hospitalised—should keep up with ART, prophylaxis, and treatment for opportunistic infections.
- Clinicians should be particularly aware of potential drug-drug interactions and overlapping toxicities between COVID-19 medicines, antiretroviral medications, antimicrobial therapy, and other medications when initiating treatment for COVID-19 in HIV patients.
In conclusion, the overall health and immune status of an individual, as well as effective HIV management, play crucial roles. As research continues, it is important for individuals with HIV to consult their healthcare providers for personalised guidance and to stay informed about the latest developments in the understanding of HIV and COVID-19 interactions.