Swine Flu Update

posted: 28/07/2009

The Medical Director at Terrence Higgins Trust, answers common questions from people with HIV. He has answers to ... 

• What is swine flu?
• Are people with HIV at greater risk of getting swine flu?
• If someone with HIV gets swine flu, are they more likely to suffer complications?
• Are there any precautions people living with HIV can take to protect themselves from swine flu?
• What are the symptoms of swine flu?
• I’ve already had a flu jab, will this protect me?
• If I think I have swine flu, what should I do?
• Where can I get further information?

The advice is regularly updated so please check here for up to date information for people living with HIV.

Call your GP. Don't go to the surgery or HIV clinic.

The latest (August) i-Base HIV Treatment Bulletin has swine flu protocols from two leading HIV clinics in London (which NW clinics may adapt) and a useful Questions and Answers page with helpful advice.

Key points from this are:

Q. Will flu meds work in people who are HIVpositive?
A. Antiviral medications used to treat flu (for example, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza ) will work in HIV-positive people. The main reson 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 symptoms?
A. If you have internet access see: http://www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
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 have been advised 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 newvaccinations. Your clinic can help with this.

latest (August) i-Base HIV Treatment Bulletin

In the USA, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued guidance for people living with HIV.

The British Medical Journal has just produced this pull out guide for everyone about swine flu.

Cheshire and Merseyside Sexual Health Network have issued this local guide.

Swine Flu and HIV

posted: 01/05/2009

Dr Michael Brady, the Medical Director at Terrence Higgins Trust, answers some common questions from people with HIV. He tells us the answers to questions including

• What is swine flu?
• Are people with HIV at greater risk of getting swine flu?
• If someone with HIV gets swine flu, are they more likely to suffer complications?
• Are there any precautions people living with HIV need to take to protect themselves from swine flu?
• What are the symptoms of swine flu?
• I’ve already had a flu jab, will this protect me?
• If I think I have swine flu, what should I do?
• Where can I get further information?
   

The advice will be updated so please go here to find out the latest advice for people concerned about swine flu.