Advice for people living with HIV during COVID-19 pandemic

HIV Ireland have answered common questions about living with HIV during the pandemic

Written by spunout

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HIV Ireland have created a resource which answers frequently asked questions about how COVID-19 (Coronavirus) can affect people living with HIV in Ireland. If you are living with HIV you may be experiencing increased stress and anxiety during this time and this is to be expected during such uncertain times. 

Although people living with weakened immune systems are included as an at-risk group by the HSE during the pandemic, people with HIV who are on effective treatment are not included on this list. Trust your GP or healthcare professional’s advice during this time and continue to follow all Government restrictions in place to help keep you and those around you safe and healthy. 

Frequently asked questions about living with HIV during COVID-19

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  • ​HIV, COVID-19 and your health
  • ​HIV, COVID-19 and having sex
  • ​HIV clinics during COVID-19
  • ​HIV medication during COVID-19
  • ​​HIV, COVID-19 and your health

    I am living with HIV, am I more vulnerable to getting COVID-19?

    There is currently no evidence that people living with HIV are at increased risk of getting COVID-19 due to their HIV status.

    Am I more vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19?

    The HSE has listed a number at-risk groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, including people with weakened immune systems. Currently, people living with HIV who are on effective treatment are not included on this list. However, if you are living with HIV and not on effective treatment you may be at increased risk and should take steps to reduce the chances of getting COVID-19 based on current HSE advice. For more information on at-risk groups please click here.

    If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 and you are concerned, you should phone your GP or healthcare provider for advice.

    I have an undetectable viral load, am I more vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19?

    There is currently very little information on the effects of COVID-19 on people living with HIV who have an undetectable viral load, this means the amount of HIV in the blood is undetectable. More data is needed before we know the true impact, if any. If you know or suspect that your immune system may be compromised you may be at increased risk from the effects of COVID-19. In these circumstances, you should take steps to reduce the chances of getting COVID-19 based on current HSE advice.

    I am virally suppressed but I have an underlying condition. Am I at risk?

    If you are living with HIV and meet one or more of the other criteria for at-risk groups (older age, heart or lung condition, diabetes, hypertension, etc) you may be at increased risk from the effects of COVID-19 regardless of viral suppression and/or treatment for HIV. In these circumstances, you should take steps to reduce the chances of getting COVID-19 based on current HSE advice.

    I am unsure about my viral load or underlying conditions. What should I do?

    If you are living with HIV and are unsure about your viral load count, the correct way to take medication, or whether you belong to another vulnerable category, you should take steps to reduce your chances of getting COVID-19 and seek medical advice. Your HIV doctor or healthcare provider can advise you on medication, viral suppression, and related health matters.

    People living with HIV on treatment should continue to take medication as prescribed. If you are living with HIV and are not on medication, or do not always take your medication correctly, you should speak to your HIV doctor or healthcare provider about your treatment options to keep your immune system as strong as possible.

    I have heard that some people have been advised to stay in-doors also known as cocooning. Does this apply to people living with HIV?

    The HSE does not advise that people living with HIV should cocoon unless they have another underlying condition as set out in the HSE guidelines.

    • For more information on self-isolation please click here
    • For more information on cocooning please click here

    If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or receive a diagnosis of COVID-19, you should isolate at home for 14 days from the date you first noticed symptoms with the last five days being without a fever. If your symptoms worsen, such as difficulty with breathing, you should contact your GP or medical provider straight away and explain your symptoms.

    If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and are not in isolation, you should continue to follow current HSE advice on staying home, maintaining physical distance, and restricting movement.

    What information should I read and whose advice should I follow about HIV and COVID-19?

    With so much information about COVID-19 and the impact it may have on people living with HIV, it can be difficult to know which source of information is reliable. Information that comes from other countries may be more relevant to the healthcare system in that country and may not be relevant for you.

    People living with HIV in Ireland should rely on trusted sources of information including their GP or medical provider, the HSE, Government information on COVID-19, NGOs, and other civil society organisations supporting people living with HIV.

    ​​​HIV, COVID-19 and having sex

    Can I get COVID-19 through having sex?

    COVID-19 is not a sexually transmitted infection. However, it is possible to get COVID-19 from kissing and/or close contact with another person. The HSE has published information on Sex and COVID-19 which is available to view here.

    If you or your partner are not feeling well and have symptoms of COVID-19, e.g. fever, cough, or shortness of breath, you should avoid sex and especially kissing. If you or your partner develop symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath you should self-isolate and phone your GP or medical provider for further advice.

    • Information on sexual health for gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men (gbMSM) is available to view here.
    • To view information and advice on COVID-19 and Sex by the Gay Health Network please click here.

    ​HIV clinics during COVID-19

    Are HIV clinics still operating during COVID-19 pandemic?

    Yes, however some clinics are closed to new appointments and are rescheduling existing appointments. Many HIV clinic staff including infectious disease specialists, nurses, and administrative staff are currently working on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    If you are due to attend a clinic you will be contacted in relation to your appointment and/or the collection of medication. If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 please do not attend and contact the clinic by phone.

    If you telephone your clinic and receive a recorded message, you should leave a voice message with your name, your contact number, and your hospital number (if you know it) so that the clinic staff can contact you.

    My clinic cancelled my appointment and I have not been given a new appointment date. What should I do?

    If your clinic has postponed or cancelled your appointment, you should receive a new appointment date in due course. If you do not receive an appointment date, and you require one, you should contact the clinic. If you require an urgent appointment, you should contact the clinic and explain.

    I am newly diagnosed with HIV. What should I do?

    If you are newly diagnosed with HIV and you are unsure what to do or need additional support, please contact your GP / healthcare provider. 

    You can also contact HIV Ireland Community Support:

    ​HIV medication during COVID-19

    I need to renew my HIV medication during COVID-19 pandemic. What should I do?

    If you are currently a patient with a HIV clinic, they will contact you to arrange to collect your medication and to arrange a new appointment. Some clinics may arrange to send your medication by post. You should check with your clinic.

    If you have not visited a HIV clinic in Ireland before, you should contact your nearest HIV clinic to arrange an appointment or contact your GP. 

    For additional information and advice you can contact the HIV Ireland Community Support Team:

    What should I do if my medication supply is running low?

    Continuing to take to your medication as prescribed by your clinic is extremely important. If your supply of medication is coming to an end, you should contact your clinic to arrange for collection of new medication. If, for any reason, you cannot contact your clinic, please contact your GP or healthcare provider.

    Should I get vaccinated?

    People living with HIV should ensure they are up to date with vaccinations including influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. Vaccines are available from your GP and/or local pharmacy. There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

    Can antiretroviral treatment (ART) medication be used to combat COVID-19?

    There is currently no evidence to suggest that ART medication is an effective treatment against COVID-19. People living with HIV should not consider using ART medication as a treatment for COVID-19 nor share their medication with others, including someone with COVID-19.

    Many public STI testing services are temporarily closing. Where can I access services?

    There are significant restrictions to public sexual health services with many services closed to the public. If you have symptoms and require STI testing, contact your local clinic or your GP for advice. 

    Talk of COVID-19 is making me anxious. What can I do?

    For many people living with HIV, the recent global outbreak of COVID-19 may cause an increased sense of fear, stress and/or anxiety. People may be working through feelings relating to their HIV status or be worried about the impact of COVID-19 on their health. The constant media coverage and strict public health measures may also cause negative thoughts or anxiety relating to vulnerability, safety, or the safety and wellbeing of loved ones.

    Feelings of fear, stress or anxiety are perfectly reasonable reactions to the current situation. Many people share these feelings. At this time, it may be helpful to speak to someone you trust. Maintaining contact with friends and family not in your household by telephone, email, or social media can be helpful. Counsellors and support workers can offer welcome support and advice on strategies to cope with anxiety. 

    If you would like to speak to a member of the Community Support team at HIV Ireland:

    Information and Support for People living with HIV

    HIV Ireland continues to offer community support and outreach services for people living with HIV. 

    Contact the HIV Ireland Community Support Team:

    If you would like to speak to someone living with HIV for support or information you can contact Positive Now- All Ireland Network:

    Feeling overwhelmed or anxious?

    If you feel overwhelmed by the current situation and need someone to talk to, our anonymous, 24 hour text line is always open. You’re worth talking about and we’re here to listen and support you.

    Our work is supported by

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