Step up protocols against Covid for HIV positive people

Blood sample positive with HIV [Courtesy]

As the country stares at a possible fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, which the government says is expected in July, more strategies are needed to shield the most vulnerable which includes those with underlying conditions such as HIV and Aids.

People living with HIV and those with weakened immune systems due to other illnesses or medication, are at increased risk of severe Covid-19. While the government has put in place measures to ensure they are prioritised in the vaccination plan, people with these conditions should be aware of the potential for reduced immune responses to the vaccine and need to step up prevention protocols.

Prevention measures to reduce exposure to Covid-19 must be maintained at all times, especially by and for people living with HIV. They include regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub, maintaining, at least one metre distance between themselves and anyone coughing or sneezing, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth.

It is also important to make sure that people living with HIV, and those around them, follow good respiratory hygiene. They must be reminded to stay home if they feel unwell. If they get a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, they must seek medical attention immediately.

In some parts of the country, owing to weaker health-care systems, informal settlements, overcrowded cities and public transportation and a lack of clean water and sanitation, the current approaches to self-protection, social distancing and containment have had some challenges implementing.

The way communities and governments dealt with the HIV pandemic provides useful lessons that can be used in the fight against Covid-19. Like with HIV, people must act towards those suspected to have Covid-19 with kindness, not stigma and discrimination. The government, especially at the county level, should work with communities to find local solutions. Key populations must not bear the brunt of increased stigma and discrimination as a result of the current pandemic.

Despite the scale-up of HIV treatment in recent years, 15 million people living with HIV across the world do not have access to antiretroviral therapy, which may compromise their immune systems.

There is little data available at the moment about how HIV and Covid-19 together impact on people living with HIV. Until more is known, people living with HIV should be extra cautious.