Tips for protecting yourself from covid

COVID-19 can cause serious complications in patients with decreased immune function. COVID-19 is of course a special concern for people with HIV or AIDS sufferers, because they are part of this group. Their immune function decreases due to infection human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

On the other hand, antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) that are used to inhibit HIV progression have become one of the drug candidates for COVID-19. Scientists still need time before they can determine the results. The following is information on the relationship between people with HIV and COVID-19.

Are people with HIV more susceptible to contracting COVID-19?

HIV sufferers have a decreased immune system. The function of the immune system can be reduced if they suffer from other serious illnesses, do not take ARV drugs regularly, and have high viral counts and low CD4 cells.

This condition makes people with HIV more susceptible to infection in general. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that this does not necessarily make them more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. There are many factors to consider.

To date, there is no evidence that people with HIV have a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 than people who don't have HIV. In addition, there is also no evidence that the complications of COVID-19 will be more severe for people with HIV or AIDS.

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Serious complications usually arise from pre-existing factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory diseases, etc. When people with HIV experience severe complications of COVID-19, the causes may come from these factors.

Currently there are reports of HIV sufferers recovering from COVID-19. According to the report, the high risk of transmission is due more to age than to a high HIV count in the body or a low CD4 cell count.

Recent data also shows that the risk of death from COVID-19 in people with HIV is due more to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. These factors are no different from HIV negative people.

Is it true that ARV drugs can prevent and overcome COVID-19?

Previously there had been research on the effects of ARVs on SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Scientists from China used ARV in the form of a combination of the drugs lopinavir and ritonavir in a patient at a hospital in Wuhan.

The research was conducted with reference to two previous studies. Previously, experts gave lopinavir and ritonavir to medical personnel who were exposed to the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV viruses. The MERS-CoV infection rate was lower among medical personnel who were given the drug.

In the latest study, patients in Wuhan were asked to take two pills of lopinavir and ritonavir and inhale alpha-interferon twice a day. As a result, the symptoms experienced by the patient began to decrease.

ARV drugs consumed by people with HIV have the potential to become a COVID-19 drug. The results were also good, with almost all COVID-19 patients recovering completely. However, this study still has limitations.

The research is relatively small. The dosage of the drug, the duration of drug administration, and the duration of the study were also short. COVID-19 patients are also taking other drugs during treatment, so researchers cannot conclude whether the patient is really recovering from ARVs or other drugs.

In other words, antiretroviral drugs cannot be confirmed as a cure for COVID-19. Experts also still have to conduct a lot of new research before they can make any conclusions. However, ARVs are still important drugs for people with HIV / AIDS.

Tips to prevent transmission of COVID-19 to people with HIV

Scientists around the world are still developing a vaccine for COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to implement preventive measures. The steps are no different from other people in general, namely:

• Diligently wash your hands using soap and water or hand sanitizer made from alcohol.
• Stay home and apply physical distancing.
• Don't crowd or go to crowded places.
• Do not touch the face area before washing hands.
• Wear a mask when you have to go outside.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue. If you don't have a tissue, use your arm.

HIV sufferers also need to live a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and managing stress well. If your body is healthy and fit, your immune system will be able to fight off infections better.

Keep a supply of your ARV drugs and don't forget to take the medicine as directed by your doctor. Follow a routine immunization schedule and consult your doctor if you have questions about HIV treatment.

If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 such as high fever, cough or shortness of breath, consult a doctor immediately. Make sure you know the address of the nearest COVID-19 health facility or referral hospital from where you live.