Saturday May 2, 2009
HIV patients at higher risk from flu, WHO says
GENEVA (Reuters) - People with HIV are at high risk from the new flu strain that the World Health Organisation said is on the verge of pandemic, the WHO said on Saturday.
The United Nations agency said people with immunodeficiency diseases -- including the AIDS virus -- will most likely be vulnerable to health complications from the H1N1 strain, as they are from regular seasonal flu.
 |
People enjoy the beach in Acapulco May 1, 2009. People with HIV are at high risk from the new flu strain that the World Health Organisation said is on the verge of pandemic, the WHO said on Saturday. (REUTERS/Jesus Trigo) |
HIV and the new flu strain could also mix together in a dangerous way, as has occurred with HIV and tuberculosis, the WHO said in guidance for health workers on its website.
"Although there are inadequate data to predict the impact of a possible human influenza pandemic on HIV-affected populations, interactions between HIV/AIDS and A(H1N1) influenza could be significant," it said.
"HIV-infected persons should be considered as a high risk and a priority population for preventive and therapeutic strategies against influenza including emerging influenza A(H1N1) virus infection," it said.
Countries with high rates of HIV -- most of which are in Africa -- should work to ensure that vulnerable people get the drugs they need to fight off the flu infection, the WHO said.
"Patients at higher risk for complications of influenza including those with HIV infection should be among those prioritised for antiviral treatment with oseltamivir or zanamivir which shortens illness duration and severity in seasonal influenza," its guidance read.
It is best if people infected with the flu strain start to take the antivirals within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, according to the WHO. There are no known problems with taking those drugs alongside the anti-retrovirals that HIV patients take to suppress their virus.
(For the full WHO guidance for HIV patient care, see: http://www.who.int/hiv/mediacentre/influenza_hiv.pdf)
Copyright © 2008 Reuters
- MPV with that wow factor
- Using porn films to rob clients
- ABC: Adam Lambert's performance draws 1,500 complaints
- Canada woman to fight insurance company over Facebook
- McDonald's makes its logo more 'green' in Europe
- Monk needing fresh air opens plane’s emergency exit
- S’gor cannot reveal details on Bkt Antarabangsa tragedy: MB
- Syed Azidi: I feel vindicated ‘I hope Tok Guru has learnt lesson’
- DPM sets Dec 1 deadline for MCA leadership
- Parliament: No truth to claims RON95 petrol can damage engine
- Canada woman to fight insurance company over Facebook
- Monk needing fresh air opens plane’s emergency exit
- McDonald's makes its logo more 'green' in Europe
- MPV with that wow factor
- ABC: Adam Lambert's performance draws 1,500 complaints
- M’sia bids for maritime council post
- Johor Assembly: 15,000 Johor students study in S’pore
- Parliament: No truth to claims RON95 petrol can damage engine
- Effective paid search pays off for Malaysia Airlines
- M’sia has what it takes to woo foreign giants
RSS
