HIV and COVID-19

If I am HIV positive, am I more vulnerable to serious COVID-19 illness?

While we are still learning more about COVID-19, people living with HIV and a suppressed viral load are not expected to be at a higher likelihood of serious COVID-19 illness.  People who are not on HIV treatment, or have a lower CD4 count, however, may be more vulnerable to serious COVID-19 illness. Some other medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease are also associated with more serious COVID-19 illness.

 

How do I stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Continuing the regular monitoring and treatments recommended by your doctor or nurse practitioner (NP).  While you may not be able to see your doctor or NP in person, many clinics offer phone and virtual visits so you can continue your medical care. 

To follow other routine precautions to stay healthy and reduce the chances of spreading COVID-19, see BCCDC’s COVID-19 Prevention & Risks.

Be mindful that during the pandemic with our social interactions being limited our mental and social health can suffer, and we can feel the impacts of stressors more severely. Visit Taking Care of Yourself and Others for some mental health and self-care tips. 

 

Can I get HIV medications during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, if you get your HIV medications through the BC Centre for Excellence (BCCfE) pharmacy and are stable on this medication, you can get a larger supply during this time.  For more information, go to BCCfE and COVID-19. 

 

Can I get PrEP during the COVID-19 pandemic?

PrEP continues to be available through the public program as it did before the pandemic. If you want to know more about the program, or about starting, re-starting, or stopping PrEP during the pandemic, visit getpreped.ca. 

 

I think I may have gotten into contact with HIV, what should I do?

If you think you came into contact with HIV during sex, the HIM’s Sexual Health Calculator can help you figure out how likely the sex you’re having could transmit HIV and other STIs. . If you think you might have come into contact with HIV in the past 3 days, you might need Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), go to your nearest emergency department, or contact one of the following consultation sites.

Symptoms of a new HIV infection, such as fever and/or sore throat, can be very similar to symptoms of COVID-19.  If you think you’ve been recently exposed to HIV, it’s important to tell your doctor or nurse so they can give you the best care and testing.  

 

Can I still get tested for HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, most sexual health clinics are still open, but many have reduced hours or services.  We suggest using the clinic finder on SmartSexResource or contacting your local clinic for updates on hours and services before visiting.  If you think you may have an increased chance of getting HIV and want to get started on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PreP), contact your doctor, NP, or local sexual health clinic. 

Source: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/priority-populations/hiv-and-covid-19  

 

Other HIV resources: