… strong as possible by eating healthy and getting regular exercise (lots of help in these areas on blackdoctor.org). The next two tips should also be followed to protect the immune system.
1) Take your HIV medicines to keep your immune system strong!
2) Take your HIV medicines to keep your immune system strong!
Get the point? If you have advanced HIV disease, your medical provider may give you additional medicines to provide extra protection against certain infections. Once your immune system is stronger, you will no longer need these medicines. The other strategy is to help your immune system fight off these infections by getting vaccinations. It should be noted that people with HIV disease may need stronger doses or repeat dosing of vaccines to get adequate protection. Your medical provider can determine if this is necessary.
1) Influenza vaccine (Flu Vaccine). As I mentioned earlier in the article, influenza virus changes slightly from year to year, so a new vaccine comes out each year for flu season. Remember that flu can be fatal and people with decreased immune function like AIDS, cancers and diabetes are at increased risk. Your medical provider should vaccinate you or you can get an inexpensive shot from your pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer free vaccinations. Get the vaccine every year.
2) Pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumonia. Most infections occur in the very young or the elderly but people with HIV are at increased risk and should be vaccinated, If you haven’t ever been vaccinated talk with your medical provider or pharmacist about getting the vaccine. If you have been vaccinated years ago, a newer vaccine is available which provides greater protection. Discuss with your medical provider.
3) Hepatitis A and B (HAV/HBV). These are two totally different viruses and are not related, although they both damage the liver. HAV is spread orally. HBV is a blood-born infection that can be spread by sharing infected needles with intravenous drug use. It can also be spread sexually or passed from mother to child during birth. There are vaccine products that combine HAV and HBV protection. Depending on the vaccine product, you may need two to three doses spaced out over time. Be sure to complete the whole series of vaccinations.
4) HPV. Human papilloma virus can cause different cancers including cervical cancer, anal cancer, testicular cancer, head and neck cancer and also genital warts. HIV-infected men and women are at increased risks of contracting some of these cancers. There are still questions about whether HPV vaccines are effective in reducing risk of these cancers in HIV-infected persons. This is a topic you can discuss with your medical provider.
5) Shingles (Zoster) vaccine. Shingles is a condition caused by a type of Herpes virus that affects the nerves and is caused by the same virus that causes Chickenpox. It results in a very painful rash usually occurring around the torso. A new vaccine is available that provides good protection.
6) Meningococcal vaccine. HIV-infected individuals are at increased risk for getting meningitis (a type of brain infection) from the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. This vaccine is recommended for HIV-infected individuals of all ages.
The coronavirus epidemic is evolving day by day. The number of infections is growing worldwide but we are also getting new information on how it is transmitted and who is at risk. Check with your local Health Department to stay updated or discuss with your medical provider. We also may be closer to finding some drugs that can suppress this dangerous virus.