HIV/AIDS and Colds

If your immune system is weakened from HIV/AIDS, it may be very difficult for you to fight off colds, flu, or other viral infections. That's why it's important to understand all you can on how to stay well and avoid colds and flu. Here's what you need to know about HIV/AIDS and colds in order to stay well.

Why do colds pose such a serious problem for people with HIV/AIDS?

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) kills or damages cells in the body's immune system, making it more difficult to fight infections like the cold virus. If you have HIV/AIDS, you're also more likely to develop cold complications such as pneumonia.

Which cold treatment should I use for a cold with HIV/AIDS?

When you first get cold symptoms, call your doctor if HIV/AIDS has weakened your immune system. While there are no anti-viral medicines for cold viruses, your doctor will recommend treatment for your miserable cold symptoms. A cold normally lasts a week and goes away on its own even in people with HIV. However, when your immune system is weakened, you are more likely to get a complication from the cold, such as pneumonia. If your symptoms don't improve or you develop shortness of breath or high fever, let your doctor know in case you need more aggressive treatment.

With a cold, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if you have fever. High fever -- above 102 degrees -- is a sign that you may have the flu. If you have flu symptoms, let your doctor know. Flu medications may be able to shorten the duration of flu symptoms. In addition, even if you have no appetite, try to eat something anyway. Smaller meals may help until you get your appetite back. Be sure to rest frequently and get plenty of sleep so your body has a chance to recover.

Can I prevent colds if I have HIV/AIDS?

Because people with HIV/AIDS are more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, it's important to always use good hygiene to reduce the chance of getting sick. Talk with your family members and friends about preventing the spread of cold viruses by covering their mouths when they cough, washing their hands frequently, and avoiding rubbing their eyes after touching surfaces.

Also, regularly use an antibacterial cleaner or a mild bleach solution to kill germs on common household hotspots such as the computer mouse and keyboard, telephone receivers, doorknobs, kitchen and bathroom countertops and sinks, and the refrigerator handle.

Check with your doctor about a pneumonia and flu vaccine for you and a flu shot for all family members to avoid spreading illnesses amongst each other. The CDC recommends that people with chronic medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS and those with weakened immune systems, be among the first to get a flu vaccine each year.

Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. October or November is the best time to be vaccinated, but you can still get vaccinated in December and later. The flu shot becomes effective about two weeks after your vaccination. You may only need the pneumonia vaccine once.

In addition, avoid crowds during cold and flu season since colds and flu can cause serious problems for people with HIV/AIDS or compromised immune systems. Keep your immune system healthy by getting plenty of sleep, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding stress. Also, pay attention to healthy lifestyle habits by avoiding cigarette smoke and air pollutants.