Swine Flu - Prepare Now
posted: 13/08/2009
The latest (August) i-Base HIV Treatment Bulletin recommends you stock up now on HIV treatment drugs, so you have enough to last through to January. It is better to avoid having to visit the HIV clinic during the flu peak months.
The i-Base bulletin also has swine flu protocols from two leading HIV clinics in London (which NW clinics may adapt), and a useful Questions and Answers page with other helpful advice.
Be prepared
People living with HIV should be prepared - the flu epidemic is fading right now, but experience from past epidemics is very clear. The flu numbers will almost certainly rise steeply in the autumn when schools and colleges restart and people return to work from holidays. The peak of the epidemic is likely to be in October and November.
If large numbers of people have swine flu at once, all services could come under severe strain with staff off sick. So it is recommended you keep at least one months HIV drugs at all times during the autumn and winter.
i-Base say
During August or September, arrange to get enough meds to last you until January. You want to avoid having to visit your clinic in October or November when the flu outbreak is likely to be at it’s peak.
Key points from the i-Base flu questions and answers are:
Q. Will flu meds work in people who are HIV positive?
A. Antiviral medications used to treat flu (for example, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza ) will work in HIV-positive people. The main reason to take them is to reduce how infectious you are.
Q. Will flu treatments interact with my HIV drugs?
A. There is a potential for interactions between Tamiflu, boosted PIs and some nukes (3TC, FTC and tenofovir) but the benefits outweigh this small risk. Your pharmacist will advise you on this.
Q. Will I still get my HIV meds?
A. If the flu outbrteak is severe this could limit routine services. To prepare for this ALWAYS KEEP AT
LEAST ONE MONTH’S SUPPLY of HIV meds at home. Some clinics will give you an additional month supply or ask you to return earlier for a new prescription. During August or September, arrange
to get enough meds to last you until January. You want to avoid having to visit your clinic in October
or November when the flu outbreak is likely to be at it’s peak.
Q. What do I do if I think I have swine flu symptoms?
A. If you have internet go to the NHS advice site
If you have symptoms call: 0800 15 13 100 This is the number to access flu meds. You should get these if you are HIV-positive.
Do not visit your GP, hospital or clinic unless you are asked to.
Q. Should I have the flu vaccine?
A. HIV-positive people are routinely recommended to have the seasonal flu vaccine. You need to
be registered with a GP to get this and any new vaccinations. Your clinic can help with this.
Latest (August) i-Base HIV Treatment Bulletin with swine flu Questions and Answers and HIV clinic protocols (good practice guides to how HIV clinics should prepare for and deal with swine flu).
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