A study testing the effectiveness of flu vaccination in people with HIV was recently published in a journal called the Annals of Internal Medicine. One hundred two people with HIV were divided into two groups. One group received the flu vaccine and the other group received a placebo or dummy shot.
The researchers reported that flu was later confirmed in ten people that received the placebo, but not in anyone that received the flu vaccine. In terms of respiratory symptoms (like runny nose and sore throat), twenty three (49 percent) of the people that received the placebo shot got these symptoms, compared to 16 (29 percent) of the people that took the flu vaccine.
Previous studies have sometimes found that flu vaccines temporarily increase HIV viral load. Due to this concern, the study researchers measured people's T-cell counts and viral load when they started the study, and again one month and three months after vaccination. The results showed no significant differences between people that took the flu vaccine compared to those that took the placebo shot.
The overall conclusion of the researchers was that "routine influenza vaccination benefits patients with HIV infection." It's important to note that only 13 people in this study had T-cell counts less than 200, and the results may not necessarily be applicable to people with low T-cell counts. Since the flu season is now starting, this is a good time for people to ask their health care provider about receiving a flu shot.
Also check these sites:
Unofficial site of Gulf Coast Community Care
email: [email protected]
New Directions has a positive debut
Faith Hope and Love
Finding hope at New Directions
Where are New Directions Program graduates now?
Tips to help you quit smoking
Frequently asked questions about clinical trials
Should an HIV patient keep working out?
HIV and fatigue
Herbal remedy St. John's wort substantially weakens HIV-fighting drug
Hepatitis and HIV
Avoiding bacterial infections from your pet
Toxoplasmosis - a threat to HIV-positive individuals
The facts about HIV-related anemia
Should you get a flu shot if you have HIV?
HIV and the Americans with Disabilities Act
HIV may rebound if therapy stops
Breaking the barriers to good eating
Healthy and Easy Recipes
Grocery shopping on a limited budget
Nutrition Strategies for people living with HIV/AIDS
Safe cooking for the HIV-positive
Pharmaceutical company drug assistance programs
What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?
HIV, Social Security, and the Internet
Keeping up with the latest HIV news
Call CDC Hotline for HIV/AIDS information
HIV/AIDS resource guide
Click your mouse to fight HIV/AIDS
Other HIV resources