The World Health Organisation (WHO) in a new report, has claimed that HIV infection is a significant independent risk factor for both severe and critical COVID-19 presentation at hospital admission and in-hospital mortality.
According to the report which was gotten based on clinical surveillance data from 37 countries, nearly a quarter of people living with HIV and who were hospitalised as a result of COVID-19 infection died.
WHO in the statement by its Director of HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, Dr Meg Doherty, said: “the report released today (Thursday) will have important policy implications and will provide data to confirm that HIV is a risk for poor outcomes from COVID-19 and increases the urgency to see all PLHIV on treatment and with access to COVID-19 vaccinations.’
The report also claimed that the risk of developing severe or fatal COVID-19 was 30 per cent greater in PLHIV than those living without HIV and underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are common among PLHIV.
It said diabetes and hypertension were associated with an increased risk of more severe and fatal COVID-19 infection among male PLHIV over the age of 65 years.
WHO said the report highlights the need for PLHIV to stay as healthy as possible.
It urged them regularly access and take their antiretroviral (ARV) medications and prevent and manage underlying conditions, adding that the report also means that people living with HIV, independent of their immune status, should be prioritised for vaccination in most settings.
COVID-19 vaccine: Over 10,000 Nigerians reported side effect – NPHCDA
HIV increases risk of severe COVID-19 infection — WHO
from Daily Post Nigeria https://ift.tt/3kkawmC
via IFTTT
No comments