|
The World Health Organisation has released "Considerations on Influenza A (H1N1) and HIV." The considerations state that considering the potential impact of emerging influenza A(H1N1) virus infection, HIV/AIDS
programmes and services need to be aware of relevant risks and have plans for prevention and
treatment.
There is no documented information on clinical interactions between HIV and influenza
A(H1N1) virus, whose transmission, incubation period and clinical manifestations have
generally been similar to those of seasonal influenza viruses. There is insufficient information
on complications and spectrum of illness but complications are likely to be similar to those of
seasonal influenza. Age and other groups with increased risk for complications of seasonal influenza include
persons with immunodeficiency diseases, including HIV infection. Therefore, HIV-infected persons should be considered as a
high risk and a priority population for preventive and therapeutic strategies against influenza
including emerging influenza A(H1N1) virus infection.
There is at present no specific vaccine against influenza A(H1N1) but the general
recommendations for seasonal influenza immunization in HIV-infected individuals should be
followed. The recommendations for seasonal influenza vaccination in HIV-infected persons are
to vaccinate annually with the trivalent inactivated vaccine, irrespective of CD4 cell count,
although individuals with advanced HIV disease may not mount an adequate antibody response
to influenza vaccine. If antiviral agents are in adequate supply, post-exposure prophylaxis is
recommended for HIV-infected persons who are household contacts of individuals with
influenza A(H1N1).
The complete document, including information on medications and doses can be found here:
Considerations on influenza A(H1N1) and HIV infection 26.82 Kb
|