Question
Worried about the flu
8 January 2013. Related: All topics.
Hello, I was just wondering how often HIV people die of influenza.
I had 3 episodes of flu last year and 1 already this year (Jan 2013). I took the flu jab for the first time late last year (Dec 2012) and was still suprised I got the flu early this year!! less than a month of flu jab.
Compared to the seriousness of the type of flu I normally get in the past (painful sore throat that lasts for weeks,chesty cough with thick yellow sputum last for weeks,blocked nose,headache,fever), this current one is mild (sore throat cleared up within a day, chesty cough responded easily to Beechams all in one, no headache, no fever, no feeling weak etc).
I am beginning to get worried because I know influenza can kill and I am too young to die. My CD4 is 650 and my viral load is undetectable ( has been the same since my diagnosis 6 years ago).
I notice I always have the flu if I go into the rain alot or don’t wrap up warm enough could this be the reason of my frequent episodes or is it normal for people with HIV to to have influenza every year?
Answer
Hi,
Thanks for your email.
Although I can understand you are worried your CD4 count is very good, and the likelihood of you developing complications from the flu is relatively low. The greatest concern would be for people with CD4 counts of 200 of below.
Although the flu jab makes it less likely that you will get a flu like illness there is still a risk. This is because there are different strains of the flu, as well as other viruses (like colds) with similar symptoms.
HIV positive people aren’t generally at higher risk of getting colds or the flu than HIV negative people. You should therefore take the same precautions as HIV negative people. This includes eating well, washing your hands regularly and avoiding people with flu like symptoms (where practical!).
If you do think you are getting more of these viruses than normal speak to your doctor about this.
Hi Kay,
Sorry, you don’t sound well at the moment. But what does the doctor say about your infections and your HIV treatment?
Please let us know what HIV meds you are taking and how long you’ve been taking them. And do you have access to your CD4 count and viral load results?
Flu and pneumonia vacs can help HIV positive people. But this should all be part of your doctor’s care and treatment for you.
Do let us know more about your treamtent and results.
Hi. I understand him. I think that my body gets run down easy . Right now I have a kidney infection and cold plus my period. Last june I was almost undecteble. New to this virus. I will have to get a pneumonia vac. Might be better
Hi Paul,
We all get colds and the flu from time to time. Due to your CD4 count being below 200 it may take you a little longer to get well, however your HIV won’t be affected as its already under control. If you can try and have a flu vaccine.
I was diagnosed one year ago . My viral load is undetectable and my cd4 was 42 but slowly increasing (179). I have a commons cold/flu for the first time since being diagnosed. Is there any thing I should be worried about as this is uncharted territory for me.
Hi Benjamin.
What meds are you taking?
Colds can be due to all sorts of reasons, if you’re having them on a regular basis you should discuss this with your doctor.
Please was HIV positive for abot three months now and since then have suffer about two colds already which normally last for about weeks.can I take rhizin or any other drug for the cold and also what can I do to prevent this
Nice post thanks for sharing