COVID-19
HIV & COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the way we go through everyday life. From physical distancing to temporary lockdowns – the impacts are being felt by nearly everyone. For people with HIV, this virus may have brought up a sense of déjà vu and may cause concerns for people about vulnerability to COVID19.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, which means it affects the parts of your body you use to breathe: your nose, throat and lungs. If you’re sick with COVID-19, your symptoms might include:
- fever
- a cough
- sore throat
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- runny nose
- loss of smell and/or taste.
The current research suggests that PLHIV are at no greater risk of acquiring COVID-19, but they may be at increased risk of developing severe symptoms.
Most studies show that people with HIV who have underlying health conditions such as obesity, diabetes or high blood pressure have a higher risk of severe illness or death than other people with HIV.
If you currently have one of these comorbidities, you may be at greater risk of having complications from COVID-19. Therefore it is important to get vaccinated and keep up to date with boosters when recommended by your doctor.
We understand that the amount of information about this topic can be overwhelming and sometimes we get tired of the medical messaging. But remember, there are small things that each of us can do to reduce our risk of experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Visit our Looking After Yourself for more about how to stay healthy.
Our trained team is here to help you should you have any questions or need support. You can call for free from a Queensland land-line on 1800 636 241 or call (07) 3013 5555 (national). You can also email us or use the contact form or the chat function in the corner of our website.
