HIV/AIDS and the Flu
People with HIV/AIDS are considered at increased risk from serious influenza-related complications. Studies have shown an increased risk for heart and lung-related hospitalizations in people infected with HIV during influenza season.Vaccination
- Persons between the ages of 25 and 64 years old who are infected with HIV are a high priority group for the H1N1 flu vaccine and should be vaccinated for the H1N1 flu (see flu locator).
- Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu. You need two vaccines to be fully protected during the 2009-2010 flu season. The 2009-2010 seasonal flu vaccine is different from the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine. The CDC is encouraging people to get both vaccinations. Get both vaccinations as soon as possible.
- For both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu, there are two types of flu vaccine. People living with HIV should get the “flu shot” – an inactivated vaccine that is given with a needle. The other type of flu vaccine – nasal spray flu vaccine (also called LAIV or live attenuated influenza vaccine) is NOT currently approved for use in HIV-infected persons (see flu locator).
- For the 2010-2011 flu season, which begins in the fall of 2010, the seasonal flu vaccine will include protection against the 2009 H1N1 virus. That means that, barring some unforeseen circumstance, this fall, most Americans will be able to return to having one flu vaccine to protect them against the major circulating flu viruses. As is always the case with seasonal vaccine, younger children who have never had a seasonal vaccine will still need two doses.
- Consult your doctor and make sure all your vaccinations are up-to-date, including vaccination against seasonal influenza and vaccination against bacterial pneumonia caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bacterial pneumonia from Streptococcus pneumoniae can be a problem for people with HIV/AIDS and can also cause complications for people who have the flu. The vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae is different than the vaccine from the influenza vaccine.
More Information on Vaccination
Antiviral Drugs
- Antiviral medications, such as Oseltamivir (TAMIFLU®) and Zanamivir (RELENZA®) should be considered for individuals with HIV. HIV-infected adults and adolescents who meet current case-definitions for confirmed, probable or suspected infection with novel H1N1 flu should receive antiviral treatment.
- HIV-infected adults and adolescents who are close contacts of persons with H1N1 flu should receive antiviral chemoprophylaxis. Please check the CDC website frequently for updates in recommendations for antiviral chemoprophylaxis.
- Currently, there is limited information on the interaction between anti-flu medications and HIV antiretrovirals. No adverse effects have been reported among HIV-infected adults and adolescents who received Oseltamivir (TAMIFLU®) and Zanamivir (RELENZA®).If you are prescribed Oseltamivir (TAMIFLU®) and Zanamivir (RELENZA®), and think you might be having a reaction to the drug, contact your healthcare provider. Healthcare providers should observe patients for possible adverse drug reactions to anti-influenza agents, especially patients with neurologic problems or decreased kidney function.
More information on Medications and Antivirals
Reduce Your Risk of Flu Infection
- Try to minimize contact with other persons who might be ill with 2009 H1N1 flu..
- Follow local public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures based on illness in specific communities.
- Maintain your health and if prescribed, continue to take antiretrovirals or antimicrobial prophylaxis against opportunistics infection.
If You Develop Flu-Like Symptoms
If you have HIV/AIDS and you develop flu-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or seek medical care and follow these steps for all people with health conditions.Guidance for HIVS/AIDS and the Flu
- H1N1 flu guidance for patients
What Adults with HIV Infection Should Know About 2009 H1N1 Flu - H1N1 flu clinical guidance
Updated Recommendations—HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents: Considerations for Clinicians Regarding 2009 H1N1 Influenza
Podcast
Novel H1N1 Flu and HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents
(6:55 | 9/2/2009 | CDC)
This podcast discusses CDC's Interim Guidance for HIV-infected adults and adolescents regarding the novel H1N1 flu virus. While HIV-infected individuals may experience more severe complications of the H1N1 virus, the information available so far doesn't seem to indicate that people living with HIV infection are at greater risk of getting the novel H1N1 flu.
