HIV/Aids and flu

As the sneeze and sniffle season approaches, many people are expected to roll up their sleeves for the annual flu jab. Those living with HIV/Aids have an increased risk of serious complications and it is therefore strongly advisable that they be inoculated against influenza.

Worldwide, the annual flu epidemics are estimated to result in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, and about 250,000 to 500,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. People with HIV/Aids are more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections given their weakened immune system. For this reason, it’s important that they follow proper hygiene procedures to reduce the chances of getting sick.

Frequent hand-washing with either soap or antibacterial cleanser is one of the best ways to avoid falling ill. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands, which may be contaminated with flu germs.

The flu virus is easily passed on from one person to the next. You can catch it anytime a sick person sneezes or coughs in your direction. When this happens, the person sends a spray of virus-laden droplets in the direction of your open mouth or nose. So try to avoid family members and co-workers with flu-like symptoms, or at least have a talk to those around you about covering their mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing.

Over and above standard hygiene etiquette, people living with HIV/Aids are encouraged to get an annual flu shot as it’s the best protection against influenza.

Remember the following:

• Flu vaccines are safe and effective.
• You can’t get the flu from the shot. The flu vaccine is very safe; its benefits far outweigh any possible side effects. Some people may have redness and soreness where they received the shot, but other side effects are rare.
• Persons with advanced HIV disease may have a poor immune response to vaccination. Therefore, the use of antiviral medications to prevent influenza may be useful if you’re likely to be exposed to people with influenza.
• A flu vaccination should be repeated every year, as the strains of seasonal influenza change every year.
• While vaccinations in general may increase your viral load for a little while, coming down with flu, hepatitis, or other preventable diseases would be much worse.

Tell your doctor if you’ve had a bad reaction to other vaccinations in the past before you receive the flu shot.