Novel H1N1 (swine flu) and concerns
for people living with HIV
August 31, 2009 Email
a question
A total of 8,843 hospitalized cases of swine flu have been confirmed
in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico. 556 deaths have
occurred. National statistics are updated weekly by the Centers
for Disease Control.
The CDC has described the most common symptoms for those
who were admitted to the hospital, along with conditions that may
be risk factors for more severe disease. Underlying health issues
are all common in those who have been hospitalized with novel H1N1
flu, and include problems with immunosuppression, chronic lung
conditions (asthma, COPD, etc.), heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
The most notable symptoms were fever, cough, vomiting, dehydration
and shortness of breath. Diarrhea was uncommon.
As this is a newly developed flu strain, there’s no information
as to its effect on people with HIV. Using the Interim
CDC Guidelines would be appropriate for people with HIV.
A diagnostic test kit has been developed and
distributed to all states, Puerto Rico and internationally.
This will
allow states and other countries to test for this new virus. This
will likely result in more confirmed cases, which
should provide a more accurate picture of the burden of disease
in the US. Other seasonal flu viruses are still circulating as
well.
Some points to consider:
- Report any change in health to your health provider as soon
as you recognize symptoms.
- Symptoms of swine flu are typical flu symptoms: fever, fatigue,
aches and pains, sore throat and trouble breathing, among others.
Limit contact with people if you’re feeling flu-like symptoms.
- Avoid crowds of people or individuals who appear to have flu-like
symptoms.
- Wash your hands often throughout the day, and avoid touching
your face with your hands.
- Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) may be prescribed
by a doctor in various situations. The CDC reports that these
are effective against this strain of swine flu. These products
have not been well studied in people with HIV. Consult Project
Inform’s publication, Flu
Season and Living with HIV, for general information on the
flu.
For more information, check the websites for
California
Department of Public Health and
Centers
for Disease Control.
