A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that HIV infection is a significant independent risk factor for both severe COVID-19 presentation at hospital admission and in-hospital mortality. Overall, nearly a quarter of all people living with HIV who were hospitalized with COVID-19, died. COVID-19 is threatening the gains in fighting the HIV epidemic. It is leading to decreased in access to essential HIV services such as HIV prevention and testing, HIV treatment and counseling.
HIV is a life-threatening illness caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus is transmitted when an HIV negative person engages in high-risk activities with an HIV positive person, primarily during unprotected vaginal or anal sex (i.e., sex without a condom), and when people share needles or other equipment that have become contaminated with HIV-infected blood to take drugs. The virus can enter the blood stream through these activities and begin to attack the body’s immune system.
Once someone is infected with HIV, the virus begins to attack healthy cells in the blood, which weakens the person’s immune system. When enough cells have been killed and the person’s ability to fight off other illnesses and infections is severely threatened, he or she will be diagnosed with AIDS. HIV positive people can be re-infected with other strains of the virus, which further weakens the HIV positive person’s immune system.
Fortunately, in Ontario, public health agencies, together with partner non-profit organizations, remains steadfast in providing essential HIV services despite the rising COVID-19 cases. You may contact the following organizations if you, or someone you know, is searching for any HIV-related information and services:
Sexual Health Infoline Ontario at 1-800-668-2437 or 416-392-2437 (Toronto)
Casey House at 416-962-7600
Fife House at 416-205-9888