H1N1 vaccine, treatment updates for HIV/AIDS pts
H1N1 vaccine, treatment updates for HIV/AIDS pts
Needle shot, pneumo vaccination, treatment options
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated guidance on H1N1 pandemic influenza A and adults with HIV Infection. The latest Q&A postings on vaccination and treatment issues are summarized as follows.
Should those with HIV infection receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine?
A monovalent vaccine for 2009 H1N1 flu has been developed and is now available. Persons between the ages of 25 and 64 years old with health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza, including HIV infection, are an initial target group for the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine and should be vaccinated for the 2009 H1N1 flu.
Additional groups recommended to receive the 2009 monovalent H1N1 influenza vaccine regardless of their HIV status include: pregnant women; household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age; healthcare and emergency medical services personnel; all people from 6 months through 24 years of age.
Once the demand for vaccine among the initial target groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should offer 2009 monovalent H1N1 influenza vaccine to all persons 25-64 years of age and then to persons age 65 years or older, including HIV-infected adults. Persons age 65 or older, including HIV-infected adults age 65 or older, are not prioritized groups because current studies indicate that the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger persons. Although initial supplies of vaccine are limited, supplies are expected to increase sufficiently to vaccinate all persons not in initial target groups.
Is there a particular kind of flu vaccine that people living with HIV should get? Are there flu vaccines that people living with HIV should not get?
For both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu, there are two types of flu vaccine available. People living with HIV should get the "flu shot"- an inactivated vaccine (containing fragments of killed influenza virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people living with HIV.
The other type of flu vaccine - nasal spray flu vaccine (sometimes called LAIV for "live attenuated influenza vaccine") - is not currently approved for use in HIV-infected persons. This vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. LAIV (is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Should HIV-infected people get the seasonal flu vaccine?
Yes. Vaccination against seasonal flu using the inactivated form of the vaccine (shot) is recommended for all HIV-infected adults regardless of age.
Is there treatment against the 2009 H1N1 flu for people with HIV/AIDS?
Yes. The 2009 H1N1 flu virus is sensitive to two antiviral drugs: oseltamivir and zanamivir. HIV-infected adults and adolescents with suspected flu infection (including 2009 H1N1 flu) should contact their health care provider to determine if antiviral treatment is needed. Treatment is most effective if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
When should people with HIV/AIDS be prescribed antiviral medications for the prevention (also called "chemoprophylaxis") of the 2009 H1N1 flu?
Antiviral chemoprophylaxis generally should be reserved for people at higher risk of influenza-related complications who have had close contact with someone likely to have been infected with influenza. As an alternative to chemoprophylaxis, clinicians can also choose to counsel people at higher risk for influenza-related complications about the early signs and symptoms of influenza and advise them to immediately contact their healthcare provider for evaluation and possible early treatment if clinical signs or symptoms develop.
Are the medicines used to treat and prevent infection with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus safe for people with HIV/AIDS?
There is not a lot of information on the interaction between antiviral medications used to treat flu and antiretrovirals used to treat HIV infection. No adverse effects have been reported among HIV-infected adults and adolescents who received oseltamivir or zanamivir. There are no known major drug interactions between oseltamivir or zanamivir with currently available antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV infection. If you are prescribed oseltamivir or zanamivir and think you might be having a reaction to the drug, contact your health care provider.
How else should people with HIV/AIDS prepare?
Stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available on the CDC website and Flu.gov. You can also call 1-800-CDC-INFO for additional information. Consult your doctor and make sure all your vaccinations are up-to-date, including vaccination against seasonal influenza and vaccination against bacterial pneumonia caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bacterial pneumonia from Streptococcus pneumoniae can be a problem for people with HIV/AIDS and can also cause complications for people who have the flu. The vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae is different than the vaccine from the influenza vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated guidance on H1N1 pandemic influenza A and adults with HIV Infection. The latest Q&A postings on vaccination and treatment issues are summarized as follows.Subscribe Now for Access
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