It’s Cold and Flu Season Again—Are You Ready?

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It’s Cold and Flu Season Again—Are You Ready?

This year, National Influenza Vaccination Week will run from November 27 to December 3. People with HIV/AIDS are at greater risk of developing serious complications from influenza-related infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Studies have shown an increased risk for heart- and lung-related hospitalizations in people infected with HIV during influenza season as opposed to other times of the year, and a higher risk of influenza-related death in HIV-infected people.â€

Because influenza can result in serious, even life-threatening illness for people living with HIV/AIDS, the CDC recommends that HIV-infected people get a flu vaccination each year. Approximately 77 million flu vaccine doses have already been distributed this season, and vaccine supply is expected to reach an all-time high. However, if there is a vaccine shortage this year, people with HIV/AIDS are among the priority groups that should receive flu shots.

The CDC fact sheet HIV/AIDS and the Flu provides questions and answers to guide the administration of both flu shots and antiviral medications in people with HIV/AIDS. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has also published helpful information about the flu. The most important things to remember this cold and flu season are to eat healthy foods, get plenty of rest, stick to your medication regimen, and stay away from situations that could compromise your immune system

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