People living with HIV at no greater risk of COVID-19, than general population

There is no evidence that people living with HIV are at greater risk of COVID-19, or more severe disease if affected, than the general population. That’s the message from the British HIV Association (BHIVA) who released updated guidance on the matter today.

Data presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) earlier this month found no evidence to suggest a link between HIV status and increased likelihood of contracting Coronavirus or worse outcome from the COVID-19 condition.

There has been one case report published of a man with HIV and diabetes who was hospitalised with COVID-19, treated with lopinavir/ritonavir and who subsequently recovered.

BHIVA recommends following national advice as provided here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public (or whatever guidance is appropriate in your country) and encourages people with HIV to ensure they have had their flu and appropriate pneumococcal vaccines (as per BHIVA vaccine guidelines.)

They also advise that patients have at least 30-days medication available and sufficient supply to allow for possible travel restrictions or quarantine, if they are planning to leave the UK.

For more information please see the statement on the BHIVA website: https://www.bhiva.org/BHIVA-statement-on-COVID-19