COVID-19 Thread

[CaveyUK]

That IS a cracking infographic Jim!

And in other news, as if there wasn't a case for disliking Trump already, this is doing the rounds (apologies for a Daily Mail link although it's been reported elsewhere too)...

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8114015/Donald-Trump-tries-pay-German-company-creating-experimental-coronavirus-vaccine-US.html

[Jim Allen]

That IS a cracking infographic Jim!

And in other news, as if there wasn't a case for disliking Trump already, this is doing the rounds (apologies for a Daily Mail link although it's been reported elsewhere too)...

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8114015/Donald-Trump-tries-pay-German-company-creating-experimental-coronavirus-vaccine-US.html

  I find the daily mail can serve a purpose if you want to raise a stink about a topic

Anyhow, I didn't see much on this story yet, but from what I read it's a ludicrous idea that wouldn't surprise me coming from Trump. 

[Jim Allen]

That IS a cracking infographic Jim!

Yeah, I thought so as well. Kinda jealous I don't have the skills to create them myself. 

[Loa111]

Here’s a credible video on Corona Virus situation by a top ID Doctor who is a leading HIV specialist in Ireland. He’s in the clinic I go to, though his colleague looks after me. Since I know who he is and the good work he does, I trust his opinions...
https://youtu.be/1CsAeuFAPy4

Whilst he does not refer to hiv in this video. I do wonder if those of us who have had very advanced cases, with low CD4, PCP etc...are we more at risk from Corona?
Last CD4 count I was just over 200 but I’m still on daily antibiotics.

[Jim Allen]

For anyone with school-going kids that are now at home I'm sharing this link that has some resources that can be used. http://www.spireleadershipgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Learning-Resources-Spire.pdf

[Jim Allen]

Updated on the 12th of March, decided to share this one as mental health is also important.

It's 5 pages long so only posting a few of the printers and here and you can access the document if wanted.  I feel it could have included more tips for those in a lock-down situation about remaining connected, setting up a daily routine and remaining active.

WHO - 12 March 2020 - Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During
COVID-19 Outbreak

Full document.
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-considerations.pdf?sfvrsn=6d3578af_8

In short:
General population
1. COVID-19 has and is likely to affect people from many countries, in many geographical locations.

Do not attach it to any ethnicity or nationality. Be empathetic to all those who are affected, in and from any country. People who are affected by Covid-19 have not done anything wrong, and they deserve our support, compassion and kindness.

2. Do not refer to people with the disease as “COVID-19 cases”, “victims” “COVID-19 families” or the “diseased”. They are “people who have COVID-19”, “people who are being treated for COVID19”, “people who are recovering from COVID-19” and after recovering from COVID-19 their life will go on with their jobs, families and loved ones. It is important to separate a person from having an
identity defined by COVID-19, to reduce stigma.

3. Minimize watching, reading or listening to news that causes you to feel anxious or distressed; seek information only from trusted sources and mainly to take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones. Seek information updates at specific times during the day, once or twice. The sudden and near-constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel worried. Get the facts; not the rumors and misinformation. Gather information at regular intervals, from WHO website and local health authorities platforms, in order to help you distinguish facts from rumors. Facts can help to minimize fears.

4. Protect yourself and be supportive to others. Assisting others in their time of need can benefit the person receiving support as well as the helper. For example, check-in by phone on neighbors or people in your community who may need some extra assistance. Working together as one community can help to create solidarity in addressing Covid-19 together.

5. Find opportunities to amplify positive and hopeful stories and positive images of local people who have experienced COVID-19. For example, stories of people who have recovered or who have supported a loved one and are willing to share their experience.

6. Honor caretakers and healthcare workers supporting people affected with COVID-19 in your community. Acknowledge the role they play to save lives and keep your loved ones safe.

[Skydrake]

Coronavirus infection in an AIDS patient
Wong, Andrew TYa; Tsang, Owen TYa; Wong, K Hc et all
AIDS: March 26th, 2004 - Volume 18 - Issue 5 - p 829-830

... grave prognognosis in young patients with SARS might be related to the excessive immune response to the new virus. Cytokine dysregulation may account, at least partly, for the severity of clinical disease. The defective cellular immunity in HIV infection could paradoxically be a protective factor in some patients

Source:
https://journals.lww.com/aidsonline/fulltext/2004/03260/coronavirus_infection_in_an_aids_patient.21.aspx

[PittGurl]

Skydrake....can u out that in more understandable terms?

Thanks Jim for ur post, my anxiety is outta the roof right now. Almost more than when I was diagnosed. I was literally shaking last night. 😭

[Skydrake]

Skydrake....can u out that in more understandable terms?

Thanks Jim for ur post, my anxiety is outta the roof right now. Almost more than when I was diagnosed. I was literally shaking last night. 😭

Read the last part: "...The defective cellular immunity in HIV infection could paradoxically be a protective factor in some patient"

[Jim Allen]

Thanks Jim for ur post, my anxiety is outta the roof right now. Almost more than when I was diagnosed. I was literally shaking last night. 😭

Hiya, your welcome.

Sorry to hear that this is causing such a level of anxiety.  Is there something specific that has you so scared? What helped you get through this last time you felt this way?

Just know that you are not alone and if you feel the need to talk privately please do  PM me.

I'll comment a bit more that, we could prehaps all do with staying clear of unreliable sources of information or outdated info.  And if the anxiety is getting high too high, prehaps cutting down on unnecessary social media usage or consuming the news "too much" as it will just feed the fears.

Realistically there is not anything more we can do other than being supportive for each other and following the advice from the experts on basic hygiene steps and social distancing.

The good news story for tonight:

Heard on the radio about this website today - https://randall.ie/help/?fbclid=IwAR3udS-zNXISaVR1x3BYVDLED9492fjqfRXXT1Y0USQoQOt0GgSG3Gq4fjM

Mainly it's focused on the UK and Ireland, but it seems to have started to get global attention including the USA.

It's a site and map whereby people can pledge to help others or ask for help they need it and this can then be coordinated between the volunteers and people asking for help.  Examples,  someone offering to assist by getting the shopping for someone vulnerable or offering to show someone how to use online shopping, walking the dog etc.

[Texland]

Some good news in the fight against Covid-19. Doctors in Australia are having excellent results treating patients with a combination of Kaletra (lopinavir and ritonavir) and chloroquine. Both medications are already approved in most countries so doctors can use them "off label" on patients.

The Australian doctors are calling it a cure, I would be more cautious and say it's a hopeful treatment.

https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/cure-found-for-coronavirus-in-australia/3973564/

[Almost2late]

I been hearing a lot about antivirals being used to treat Covid-19 but not so much in US main stream media. I hope it is something that really works, hope my triumeq does it too.

Also found this report about a 17yo who created a website to track the Corvid-19 as far back as December fascinating..
https://www.democracynow.org/2020/3/13/meet_the_17_year_old_behind

https://ncov2019.live/

[Texland]

I been hearing a lot about antivirals being used to treat Covid-19 but not so much in US main stream media. I hope it is something that really works, hope my triumeq does it too.

There is a reluctance (fear of lawsuits?) in the US to try a non-approved treatment. There were doctors on TV saying there is no treatment for Covid-19. At that same time there were reports of antivirals being used in other countries.
HIV medications were used in another viral outbreak a few years back. (SARS? MERS?) That one didn't reach the US in any numbers.

[Jim Allen]

I been hearing a lot about antivirals being used to treat Covid-19 but not so much in US main stream media. I hope it is something that really works, hope my triumeq does it too.

Also found this report about a 17yo who created a website to track the Corvid-19 as far back as December fascinating..
https://www.democracynow.org/2020/3/13/meet_the_17_year_old_behind

https://ncov2019.live/

There is a reluctance (fear of lawsuits?) in the US to try a non-approved treatment. There were doctors on TV saying there is no treatment for Covid-19. At that same time there were reports of antivirals being used in other countries.
HIV medications were used in another viral outbreak a few years back. (SARS? MERS?) That one didn't reach the US in any numbers.

Yup, treatment with Kaletra (lopinavir and ritonavir) and chloroquine was reported to have been used in China during this outbreak and in 2003 for SARS 

I'm not sure how off-label usage of drugs works in the USA.

POZ.Com full write-up
https://www.poz.com/article/china-uses-hiv-meds-treat-new-coronavirus

[Texland]

I'm not sure how off-label usage of drugs works in the USA.

POZ.Com full write-up
https://www.poz.com/article/china-uses-hiv-meds-treat-new-coronavirus

If the drug has been approved by the FDA, a doctor can prescribe it. I did have a doctor prescribe a drug off label last year, my insurance company refused to pay for it. It was wicked expensive so the doctor came up with a different choice.

[OneTampa]

Interesting "truth told correctly" article on comparing current Coronavirus to historical AIDS situation.

OT

Link:

https://www.thedailybeast.com/if-youre-comparing-coronavirus-and-aids-recognize-the-lgbtq-heroes-of-history?ref=scroll

[Almost2late]

Looking at a poz link on this thread, I just ran into this.. it appears a vaccine trail is on the way in Seattle 🤞..
https://www.poz.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-trial

[leatherman]

Interesting "truth told correctly" article on comparing current Coronavirus to historical AIDS situation.

and this take from Mark King
https://marksking.com/my-fabulous-disease/stop-comparing-coronavirus-to-early-hiv-aids-just-stop/

personally i think there are, of course, similarities of HIV to COVID but that's because they both are epidemics. By nature of the definition both situations have similarities. But transmission, social reaction, and containment have been different circumstances. In the future, we'll comparison and contrast our reactions to these epidemics (the way the Dems/Obama worked on after the ebola outbreak but was disbanded by our current POTUS ) and hopefully develop better plans for the epidemic that'll come after this one.

[Loa111]

I guess no one knows for sure if hiv+ people are more at risk or not?
Thinking yes if CD4 under 200? What about those over 200 & on effective treatment, seems to be conflicting opinions?
Feel slightly concerning  since at last bloods I was 248 CD4 & just out of aids zone.

[Jim Allen]

Opinions are like assholes.

Look there is plenty of unknows at the moment, but there is also plenty we do know. Best avoid the virus if you can.

As for opinions, it's best sticking to what experts are saying on the subject. So far it seems simple enough, those with untreated HIV or with low CD4 counts might fall into a group with slightly higher risk. There is not much that individuals can do other than the normal hygiene steps and social distancing.

The rest of us, well there is factually nothing to suggest with a good CD4 count and UD viral load as a group we are more or less vulnerable so far for this virus. It also depends if individuals have other underlying health issues. Anyhow, the same precautions apply, normal hygiene steps and social distancing during this outbreak like everyone should be doing.

UPDATED: What People With HIV Need to Know About the New Coronavirus
https://www.poz.com/article/people-hiv-need-know-new-coronavirus

Experts shed light on coronavirus response and its implications for people with HIV
https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2020/experts-shed-light-coronavirus-response-and-its-implications-people-hiv

https://www.bhiva.org/comment-from-BHIVA-and-THT-on-UK-Government-Guidance-on-Social-Distancing

UNAIDS.

https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2020/march/20200312_covid-19

It’s important to underline that there is currently no strong evidence that people living with HIV are at an especially increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or, that if they do contract it, they will experience a worse outcome. As in the general population, older people living with HIV or people living with HIV with heart or lung problems may be at a higher risk of getting the virus and of suffering more serious symptoms. As for the general population, people living with HIV should take all recommended preventive measures to minimize exposure and prevent infection. As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, it will be important for ongoing research in settings with a high prevalence of HIV in the general population to shed more light on the biological and immunological interactions between HIV and the new coronavirus.

[Loa111]

Thank you Jim. Good info there. Cheers

[itsalex]

Hello everybody!

How are you guys? Is everybody safe during this troubling time?

In Italy, as you know, we are on lockdown but we keep high the morale. I’m assuming you saw the video of the Italians singing on their balconies

I am alone in Milan while my family is living in central Italy on Adriatic coast. Sometimes it gets difficult to be alone at all times and I do hope all of this will end soon but at least until April 3rd we are not going anywhere.

On the good side, I have a nice view, spring is starting, and pollution is to its lowest level ever (check out the video of Venice water being clear again or dolphins at Cagliari port).

Lots of hugs!!
Alex

[Pirata]

We are together in this. At least it’s beautiful to see everything getting green and colorful again

[Jim Allen]

@Loa111

NP

[Marcanthony]

It’s unsettling times for us all, especially for some of us who maybe living with low functioning immune systems OR under laying medical conditions

The CEO of HIV Scotland has set up a helpline that you can contact should you be HIV + and worried

The number is 0131 558 3713 open mon-fri 10am-6pm.

There is a webpage but not sure I can post it here?

Even if you’re not in Scotland you can call them.

[virgo313]

Hello,
We have just entered into “restrict movement” for my country till end on this month.
No cinema,mall,shopping. Only essential shop can open. Only take away allowed.
Borders is close. Hotel cannot check in new guests. 
I guess not as bad as Italy. Still this is new to all of us
Malaysia

[Jim Allen]

There is a webpage but not sure I can post it here?

Sure, by all means, share the link. 

[J.R.E.]

Florida has shut down all bars and nightclubs for 30 days effective 5:00 this afternoon. About an hour and 15 minutes to go. We were just at our favorite watering hole, and wished everyone well , and said see ya in 30 days. (Maybe)

A lot of the people we socialize there are just bar room acquaintances, we don't see these people other than in the bar.

AMC movie theaters are shut down completely as well as Regal theaters.

Restaurants for the time being, can only seat 50 % of capacity.  McDonalds is drive through only, the dining rooms are closed.  Also restaurants are ordered to check temp and health of their employees.

Ray

[Marcanthony]

For people in the Uk who are worried; HIV Scotland has set up a helpline, that you can access all across the UK. Detail in the link below.

Called them today, they were super helpful.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/patrickstrudwick/coronavirus-helpline-hiv-positive

[CalvinC]

Jim, thanks for all your even-keeled reportage. It's comforting.

Cal

[J.R.E.]

Interview with the first candidate testing the corona virus vaccine:

This was from last night on MSNBC with Ari Melber.

https://www.msnbc.com/the-beat-with-ari/watch/first-person-to-test-coronavirus-vaccine-speaks-out-80728645649

Ray

[Almost2late]

So cd4's and cd8's play a key roll in fighting COVID-19 according to this report in Nature Medicine.

From the article:
"We report the kinetics of immune responses in relation to clinical and virological features of a patient with mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that required hospitalization. Increased antibody-secreting cells (ASCs), follicular helper T cells (TFH cells), activated CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells and immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies that bound the COVID-19-causing coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 were detected in blood before symptomatic recovery. These immunological changes persisted for at least 7 d following full resolution of symptoms.".. continued here..
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0819-2

So as many of us are compromised myself included.. best we do what we can to keep this thing at bay.

I can't help but remember a quote from leatherman that's always stuck in my mind when worried about living with low cd4's.. "Sometimes it's not about how many (cd4's) you have, but how good the ones you do have work", something like that..  sorry if I misquoted.

[Jim Allen]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpQcR5NuRHY

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar addresses nation this St Patricks Day
The video starts after 19 seconds. 

In short:

Today’s children will tell their own children and grandchildren about the national holiday in 2020 that had no parades or parties, but instead saw everyone staying at home to protect each other.

In years to come, let them say of us, when things were at their worst, we were at our best.

Our country is making big demands of our healthcare staff, big demands of every single one of us.

The vast majority of us who contract Covid-19 will experience a mild illness, but some will be hospitalised and sadly some people will die.

We cannot stop this virus but working together we can slow it in its tracks and push it back.

We can, as you have heard by now, flatten the curve. But only if everyone takes sustained action. Nothing less will do.

Large public gatherings are cancelled. All pubs and bars are shut.

We have also asked people to curtail or cancel social gatherings like parties, weddings and other celebrations. I know these choices won’t be easy,but they are necessary.

More will be required in the coming weeks to reduce the spread of the virus. At all times we will be guided by, and take the expert advice, from our Public Health Emergency Team led by the Chief Medical Officer.

We will always put your life and your health ahead of any other concern. All resources that we have, financial and human, are being deployed to serve this great national effort.

Many of you want to know when this will be over.
The truth is we don’t know yet.

As you plan your life it will mean avoiding unnecessary journeys. Shopping online from local businesses and getting things delivered rather than physically going to the premises.

In short – we are asking people to come together as a nation by staying apart from each other.

Tonight I know many of you are feeling scared and overwhelmed. That is a normal reaction, but we will get through this and we will prevail.

We need to halt the spread of the virus but we also need to halt the spread of fear.

So please rely only on information from trusted sources. From Government, from the HSE, from the World Health Organisation and from the national media.

Do not forward or share messages that are from other, unreliable sources. So much harm has already been caused by those messages, and we must insulate our communities and the most vulnerable from the contagion of fear.

Fear is a virus in itself.

Please take regular breaks from watching news and media, and from consuming social media. Constantly scrolling on your phone or obsessively following the latest developments is not good for anyone.

Look after your mental health and well-being as well as your physical health.

Tonight on our national holiday I also want to send a message around the world that we are all in this together.

To the people of China, Spain and Italy who have suffered untold heartbreak and loss – we are with you.

To all of those across the world who have lost a loved one to this virus – we are with you.

To all those living in the shadow of what is to come – we are with you.

Viruses pay no attention to borders, race, nationality or gender.

They are the shared enemy of all humanity.

So it will be the shared enterprise of all humanity that finds a treatment and a vaccine that protects us.

Tonight I send a message of friendship and of hope from Ireland to everyone around the world this Saint Patrick’s Day.

Lá Fheile Pádraig shona daoibh!

[Jim Allen]

Jim, thanks for all your even-keeled reportage. It's comforting.

Cal

You're welcome, glad it helps a bit. I'll be honest I'm trying to reassure myself as well at times.

@All

Things continue to develop and, I have updated the first post in this thread, as people following this thread might miss the update, I have included it below.

Updated opening post:

Note:

The coronavirus outbreak continues to be a hot topic, as such, I have merged all related threads into this single sticky post.

I will continue to merge any new threads regarding the virus, this effort is not only to avoid duplication but also to ensure people who want to discuss it can and, with the latest information.

Additionally, this means that members who are finding the topic particularly distressing or those wishing to take a break from COVID-19 news can and aren't confronted with dozens of separate threads across the forum.

Finally, a small ask to please be additionally mindful and patient with each other during these times and to stay away and refrain from sharing unofficial/unreliable news sources or sensationalized media. Thank you.


To find the latest updates POZ.com has continuing coronavirus coverage specifically for people living with HIV here: https://www.poz.com/tag/coronavirus

Few valuable links.

What People With HIV Need to Know About the New Coronavirus
https://www.poz.com/article/people-hiv-need-know-new-coronavirus

What People With Liver Disease Need to Know About the New Coronavirus
https://forums.hepmag.com/index.php?topic=5923.msg

What People With Cancer Need to Know About the New Coronavirus
https://forums.cancerhealth.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=ibjpe9dlg3s2830amd0ob84307&topic=153.msg


POZ.Com full write-up
https://www.poz.com/article/china-uses-hiv-meds-treat-new-coronavirus

Experts shed light on coronavirus response and its implications for people with HIV
https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2020/experts-shed-light-coronavirus-response-and-its-implications-people-hiv

https://www.bhiva.org/comment-from-BHIVA-and-THT-on-UK-Government-Guidance-on-Social-Distancing

UNAIDS.

https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2020/march/20200312_covid-19

It’s important to underline that there is currently no strong evidence that people living with HIV are at an especially increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or, that if they do contract it, they will experience a worse outcome. As in the general population, older people living with HIV or people living with HIV with heart or lung problems may be at a higher risk of getting the virus and of suffering more serious symptoms. As for the general population, people living with HIV should take all recommended preventive measures to minimize exposure and prevent infection. As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, it will be important for ongoing research in settings with a high prevalence of HIV in the general population to shed more light on the biological and immunological interactions between HIV and the new coronavirus.

Thanks to @Loa111

COVID-19 Facts - Dr. & Professor Paddy Mallon
https://youtu.be/1CsAeuFAPy4

Thanks to @Marcanthony

For people in the UK who are worried; HIV Scotland has set up a helpline, that you can access all across the UK. The number is 0131 558 3713 open mon-fri 10am-6pm. https://www.buzzfeed.com/patrickstrudwick/coronavirus-helpline-hiv-positive

[daveR]

Another website full of graphs, statistics and comparisons concerning COVID-19 and other diseases. Information obviously based over the short time it has been around. Makes you wonder why the deaths caused by other conditions which are far higher per day don't warrant the same response, except this one knows no borders. Some of the others just kill unknowns in third world countries. With minimal financial impact. The media coverage is horrendous compared to other more fatal and courageous diseases, including our favourite, HIV.

All lives count, everybody has loved one's who will miss them. The world should be ashamed. It helps put it into perspective I think.

https://informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/covid-19-coronavirus-infographic-datapack/

[bocker3]

And now it is really getting real..... 

My mother is under quarantine in the hospital with cough, fever, trouble breathing, delirium......  My brother says they are waiting on a COVID-19 test result (shocked that they got one so quickly.....).
She was in the hospital about 6 weeks ago with bad pneumonia, was still on oxygen support from it, so maybe this is a recurrence and not COVID??  Time will tell.  Right now, I'm 500 miles away, so I'm just waiting on word from my brother.

Mike

[zach]

My father was just put into quarantine an hour ago

I've got deeply mixed feelings about this.

God damn me for remembering the things he said when I got a virus.

Yesterday was the 4th anniversary of my mother's passing.

[PittGurl]

Prayers going to you and your father Zach and your mother Bocker3.....I cant even imagine  

[Jim Allen]

My father was just put into quarantine an hour ago

My mother is under quarantine in the hospital with cough, fever, trouble breathing, delirium...... 

Sorry to hear this Zach & Mike.

I can't imagine how dreadful this time must be for those separated from loved ones in quarantine.

Hugs to you both.

[bocker3]

Well, my brother has reported that my mom has tested negative for the virus.
1) I'm shocked that she got tested immediately upon getting to the hospital (I guess the testing situation in the US is vastly improving?!?!)
2) Even more surprised that results came back within a few hours -- guess that getting Labcorp and Quest involved has significantly sped this up.

She's still in the hospital as they work for a diagnosis, but it doesn't appear to be COVID-19 at this point.  Of course, she still can't have any visitors, as the hospital has banned anyone from coming in to their facility due to COVID.  I'm still 500 miles away, so not much I can do at this point.

M

[Jim Allen]

Glad to hear that she tested negative, however, that of course, doesn't change the challenges with quarantine and her being ill.  I do hope she feels better soon, hugs. 

[fabio]

Zach and Mike,I hope your parents get well quickly. It's a really awful situation to be In,but I'm hoping and praying that both of your family members will be ok,whether it's corona virus or not.
I wish this situation would be over soon...

[hereinny]

There is so much information out there but there is some lack of clarity and completeness.  There are also many questions that haven't been addressed.

I understand that in many cases there is no answer yet. I also understand that it is impossible to address every eventuality. 

Just a few things that i have been thinking about.

1.  There has been quite a bit of talk about people who are immunocompromised.  This was briefly addressed in "What People With HIV Need to Know About the New Coronavirus" but i think it would be great if someone who really knows to address this with more detail.  For example:

Does being + mean you are compromised?  There are many of us who are undetectable with good CD4 and a White Blood Count.  So where are we on the spectrum of immunocompromised.  I did ask my doctor this question but i dont want to be answering a medical question here and get something wrong.  I will say that i was told it is not a simple yes or no answer.  Can someone clarify for all of the readers of this forum?  I feel good about his answer to me but i dont want to post my interpretation of this.

2.  All of the social distancing is not going to stop this but rather slow it down.  I feel like everyone is doing the right thing, but lets face it....people are still going to get this.
My question is this:  If a person who is HIV+ were to contract this, and the use of Remdesivir becomes the early treatment that is effective, will someone who is taking something like Stribild, Biktarvy, Complera, etc be able to use this treatment?  Would taking a PI upset the process of the other meds?

3.  We are still quite early in the game but, are there any known cases of persons with HIV who also have Covid19?  If so hospitalized? deaths?

Im sure we are all more afraid of what we dont know vs what we do know.  I am hoping someone can answer these questions based on real knowledge and data rather than speculation.

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

1) Depends, as a group we are immunocompromised. To what degree varies by each person including their underlying medical issues.

I did ask my doctor this question but i dont want to be answering a medical question here and get something wrong.

Repeating what your doctor told you about your own case is fine, just know that people may comment. In the meantime, why say something if you are not going to mention what it was. 

2)

All of the social distancing is not going to stop this but rather slow it down.  I feel like everyone is doing the right thing, but lets face it....people are still going to get this.

Correct, all these measures are not to stop the virus, that boat sailed a long time ago. This is about reducing the impact, the spike of cases etc etc

Regarding treatment well depends, if they are taking drugs that absolutely don't mix the doctor might need to pause or prehaps change the regular treatment for a while. That type of thing will be decided in the moment on a case by case basis by the attending doctor.   

This is nothing new or different to the medical profession, it happens from time to time when treating multiple conditions. I've had it with conflicting meds that I've had to switch treatments for one of my conditions.

There is so much information out there but there is some lack of clarity and completeness.  There are also many questions that haven't been addressed.

Plenty is known, and things are being updated as info comes out.
Understand the want to know everything now but that's not possible, focusing on what you don't know and what is outside your control is a sure way to either start reading fake news or to drive yourself potty.

Summary so far from experts and reliable sources is that prehaps like with other infections, those with untreated HIV or with low CD4 counts might fall into a group with slightly higher risk. There is not much that individuals can do other than the normal hygiene steps and social distancing.

The rest of us, well there is factually nothing to suggest with a good CD4 count and UD viral load as a group we are more or less vulnerable so far for this virus. It also depends if individuals have other underlying health issues. Anyhow, the same precautions apply, normal hygiene steps and social distancing during this outbreak like everyone should be doing.

To find the latest updates POZ.com has continuing coronavirus coverage specifically for people living with HIV here: https://www.poz.com/tag/coronavirus

Few valuable links.

What People With HIV Need to Know About the New Coronavirus
https://www.poz.com/article/people-hiv-need-know-new-coronavirus

Experts shed light on coronavirus response and its implications for people with HIV
https://www.aidsmap.com/news/mar-2020/experts-shed-light-coronavirus-response-and-its-implications-people-hiv

https://www.bhiva.org/comment-from-BHIVA-and-THT-on-UK-Government-Guidance-on-Social-Distancing

More detail is expected soon and this may include specific advice for people living with HIV based on viral load and CD4 count, as people on HIV treatment with a good CD4 and undetectable viral load are not usually considered to have a "weakened immune system" as specified in the PHE guidance. BHIVA and THT will aim to inform the HIV community about new developments in the field as they emerge but right now we recommend following PHE’s "social distancing" advice which does not necessarily mean "self-isolation."



UNAIDS.

https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2020/march/20200312_covid-19

It’s important to underline that there is currently no strong evidence that people living with HIV are at an especially increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or, that if they do contract it, they will experience a worse outcome. As in the general population, older people living with HIV or people living with HIV with heart or lung problems may be at a higher risk of getting the virus and of suffering more serious symptoms. As for the general population, people living with HIV should take all recommended preventive measures to minimize exposure and prevent infection. As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, it will be important for ongoing research in settings with a high prevalence of HIV in the general population to shed more light on the biological and immunological interactions between HIV and the new coronavirus.

[hereinny]

"Repeating what your doctor told you about your own case is fine, just know that people may comment. In the meantime, why say something if you are not going to mention what it was.  "

The reason i mention that i spoke to my doctor is there is no doubt that if i hadnt, i would be told to talk to my own doctor.  Additionally once in the past i posted what i was told my my doctor and the moderator scolded me for giving medical advice.

[Jim Allen]

You can talk about your experience all you like, just be fully prepared people will comment.

[Jim Allen]

Purely random thought, but I wonder with the social distancing if we will see a drop in "Am I infected" posters. Also, in areas with lockdowns will we see a baby boom in the 9 months time...

[zach]

Dad covid negative. Pancreas again, same pattern for years.

[zach]

Purely random thought, but I wonder with the social distancing if we will see a drop in "Am I infected" posters. Also, in areas with lockdowns will we see a baby boom in the 9 months time...

1... not a chance, you get back to your salt mine!

2... covid kids, the wuhan generation ain't nothing to fuck with

[Jim Allen]

1... not a chance, you get back to your salt mine!

2... covid kids, the wuhan generation ain't nothing to fuck with

  lol