The novel COVID-19 is a virus that was first reported in 2019. Today, the virus plagues the whole world, and the question arises, are people living with HIV more susceptible to COVID-19?
Preliminary data shows that for persons on effective HIV treatment, there is no increased risk of becoming infected with COVID -19. Thus the risk for being infected and/or having severe symptoms from COVID-19 remains the same as in the general population.
However, persons with a low CD4 count or a high viral load may be more susceptible to the infection, because their immune systems may not be well equipped to fight it off
It is thus recommended that everyone follows the following precautions to stay safe from COVID-19:
- Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 40 seconds.
- Staying home where possible and/or avoiding people who are unwell.
- Not touching the face, eyes or mouth to limit the virus from entering the body.
- Use of a clean tissue to cover the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Use tissues should be properly disposed and hand washing etiquette employed after use.
Keep in touch with friends and family, and keep faith that everything will be OK!
