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Most research indicates that people living with HIV are not more likely to contract SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, nor are they more likely to develop severe COVID-19 or die. because of it.
According to the World Health Organization, “At present, there is no evidence that the risk of COVID-19 infection or complications is different among people living with HIV who are clinically and immunologically stable on antiretroviral treatment compared to general population “.
However, HIV-positive people have developed severe COVID-19. Some studies have found higher rates of coronavirus complications in this population. This is partly explained by the fact that many HIV-positive people have other COVID-19 risk factors; these include advanced age and underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic lung disease. People with uncontrolled HIV and low CD4 counts may also be at higher risk.
Despite some promising initial suggestions, there is no clear evidence that antiretrovirals used for HIV can prevent or treat COVID-19. Although early data suggested that Kaletra (lopinavir / ritonavir) could be used to treat coronavirus, it was found to be ineffective in controlled studies. Experts point out that people using antiretrovirals for HIV treatment or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) should take the same COVID-19 precautions recommended for the general population.
The new pandemic has had a major impact on HIV prevention and treatment. HIV testing and viral load monitoring declined during the early closures of health services and did not return to previous levels. Some clinics have reported a decline in people starting and reloading PrEP prescriptions. Researchers at San Francisco General Hospital have reported a 31 percent drop in viral suppression since the start of the pandemic.
HIV services have also been affected globally. UNAIDS projects that disruptions due to COVID-19 could lead to nearly 300,000 more new HIV infections and nearly 150,000 extra AIDS-related deaths by 2022.
Additionally, people living with HIV are not spared the economic and social fallout of COVID-19, including social isolation and mental health concerns.
But services have adapted to the new reality and have taken steps to ensure that people with HIV can safely receive the care they need. Some clinics, for example, have expanded the use of telemedicine. As COVID-19 threatens to slow progress towards the end of HIV, experts stress that HIV prevention and treatment are essential services and that people at risk and living with HIV should continue to seek assistance.
The first COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be available to high-risk people in early 2021 and to the general public by spring. HIV-positive people have been included in large vaccine trials. Although data for this population is not yet available, people with stable HIV generally respond well to vaccines for other diseases and there is good reason to think they will be protected.
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