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HIV and COVID-19: Intersecting Epidemics With Many Unknowns

Catherine R Lesko, Angela M Bengtson

    American Journal of Epidemiology
    |July 23, 2020
    PubMed

    Insights

    People with HIV (PLWH) may face higher COVID-19 risks due to health disparities and comorbidities. Further research is needed to distinguish HIV

    Area of Science:

    • Public Health and Epidemiology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • HIV Medicine

    Background:

    • The impact of COVID-19 on people living with HIV (PLWH) remains unclear six months into the pandemic.
    • Existing data on COVID-19 risk in PLWH are contradictory, necessitating further investigation.
    • HIV is a complex condition, and its role as a COVID-19 risk factor requires precise definition.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 among PLWH.
    • To differentiate between the unadjusted disease burden and excess COVID-19 risk due to HIV's biological effects.
    • To understand the impact of public health interventions on PLWH.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of existing epidemiological data on COVID-19 and HIV.
    • Analysis of comorbidities and structural vulnerabilities in PLWH.
    • Assessment of the impact of physical distancing on healthcare access for PLWH.

    Main Results:

    • Apparent risk of COVID-19 appears similar in people with and without HIV, but data are inconsistent.
    • PLWH experience higher rates of comorbidities like substance use and mental health disorders, potentially increasing COVID-19 risk.
    • The pandemic's restrictions may affect access to essential medical, mental health, and substance use treatments for PLWH.

    Conclusions:

    • Future studies must differentiate between the overall disease burden in PLWH and excess risk attributable to HIV.
    • Structural vulnerabilities and comorbidities significantly influence COVID-19 risk for PLWH.
    • Adapting healthcare delivery, including telemedicine, is crucial for maintaining treatment access for PLWH during the pandemic.

    Keywords:
    COVID-19HIVengagement in caremental healthsubstance usetelemedicine

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