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The following has been clipped from GNP+ posted Monday, 04 May 2009
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WHO Considerations on influenza A(H1N1) and HIV

The World Health Organisation has released "Considerations on Influenza A (H1N1) and HIV." The considerations state that considering the potential impact of emerging influenza A(H1N1) virus infection, HIV/AIDS programmes and services need to be aware of relevant risks and have plans for prevention and treatment.

There is no documented information on clinical interactions between HIV and influenza A(H1N1) virus, whose transmission, incubation period and clinical manifestations have generally been similar to those of seasonal influenza viruses. There is insufficient information on complications and spectrum of illness but complications are likely to be similar to those of seasonal influenza. Age and other groups with increased risk for complications of seasonal influenza include persons with immunodeficiency diseases, including HIV infection. Therefore, HIV-infected persons should be considered as a high risk and a priority population for preventive and therapeutic strategies against influenza including emerging influenza A(H1N1) virus infection.

There is at present no specific vaccine against influenza A(H1N1) but the general recommendations for seasonal influenza immunization in HIV-infected individuals should be followed. The recommendations for seasonal influenza vaccination in HIV-infected persons are to vaccinate annually with the trivalent inactivated vaccine, irrespective of CD4 cell count, although individuals with advanced HIV disease may not mount an adequate antibody response to influenza vaccine. If antiviral agents are in adequate supply, post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for HIV-infected persons who are household contacts of individuals with influenza A(H1N1).

The complete document, including information on medications and doses can be found here: Considerations on influenza A(H1N1) and HIV infection 26.82 Kb:

http://www.gnpplus.net/images/stories/2009%20who%20considerations%20influenza%20a%20and%20hiv.pdf

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