HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 Vaccines
Season 1, Episode 26, Dec 04, 2021, 07:41 AM
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World AIDS Day, observed on December 1st, unites people globally to fight HIV, support those living with it, and remember those lost. Founded in 1988, it was the first global health day.
To detect HIV, get tested. If positive, antiretroviral medications can reduce your viral load to undetectable levels, preventing transmission and maintaining health. Early testing is crucial for awareness and treatment.
Early HIV symptoms can include flu-like illness (fever, headache, tiredness, swollen lymph glands) lasting days or weeks. Some people show no symptoms.
AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV, severely weakening the immune system and leading to serious symptoms like rapid weight loss, infections (pneumonia), recurrent fevers, swollen lymph glands, skin blotches, prolonged diarrhea, sores, memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders.
People with HIV may face a higher risk of severe COVID-19 due to factors like age and other health conditions. Preventive measures (vaccination, masking, avoiding crowds, hand hygiene, social distancing) are recommended.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for people with HIV, even those aged 12 and older, as long as there are no severe allergic reactions to ingredients. People with advanced or untreated HIV may benefit from an additional vaccine dose; discuss this with your healthcare provider. Virally suppressed individuals generally do not need an extra dose. Consistent HIV treatment allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives with no risk of sexual transmission if virally suppressed.
To detect HIV, get tested. If positive, antiretroviral medications can reduce your viral load to undetectable levels, preventing transmission and maintaining health. Early testing is crucial for awareness and treatment.
Early HIV symptoms can include flu-like illness (fever, headache, tiredness, swollen lymph glands) lasting days or weeks. Some people show no symptoms.
AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV, severely weakening the immune system and leading to serious symptoms like rapid weight loss, infections (pneumonia), recurrent fevers, swollen lymph glands, skin blotches, prolonged diarrhea, sores, memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders.
People with HIV may face a higher risk of severe COVID-19 due to factors like age and other health conditions. Preventive measures (vaccination, masking, avoiding crowds, hand hygiene, social distancing) are recommended.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for people with HIV, even those aged 12 and older, as long as there are no severe allergic reactions to ingredients. People with advanced or untreated HIV may benefit from an additional vaccine dose; discuss this with your healthcare provider. Virally suppressed individuals generally do not need an extra dose. Consistent HIV treatment allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives with no risk of sexual transmission if virally suppressed.