ДЕПАРТАМЕНТ ОХОРОНИ ЗДОРОВ’Я

COVID-19 GENERAL INFORMATION

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect the lungs and airways. It is caused by a novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. There is no vaccine against COVID-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include a cough, a high temperature, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu, thus if you are unsure you should contact your health professional. Do not visit your doctor’s office without an appointment, or present at an emergency room unless you are facing a life-threatening situation.

People at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection include those with underlying medical conditions, including asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and heart disease. However, COVID-19 cases in people without these conditions are being documented. Moreover, while initial indications seemed to suggest higher risk for people aged >60 years, COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in people under age 60.

There is currently no specific treatment for COVID-19. Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses. Current clinical management protocols aim to relieve COVID-19 symptoms until a patient’s recovery. Thus, patients with symptoms are encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days and seek COVID-19 testing by means made available through local public health officials.

Simple measures such as washing your hands often with soap and water can help stop viruses like coronavirus from spreading.

Following is a list of public health recommendations to avoid catching or transmitting coronavirus:

Wash your hands with soap and water often (for 40-60 seconds)
Always wash your hands when you get home or into work
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (for 20-30 seconds) if soap and water are not available
Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough/sneeze
Put used tissues in the bin/trash immediately and wash your hands afterwards
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean
Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
Only travel on public transport if you need to and work from home, if you can
Avoid social activities, such as going to bars, restaurants, theatres, and cinemas
Avoid events with large groups of people, observing public health official guidance
Do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family

We urge you to take any other precautions advised by your local public health and government officials. This is particularly true in relation to social distancing, which calls for avoiding large gatherings and maintaining a distance of 6 feet from people. Social distancing aims to reduce the chance of contact with people who knowingly or unknowingly carry the coronavirus infection.

COVID-19 AND HIV

Following is a summary of World Health Organization (WHO) guidance regarding COVID-19 and HIV:

People living with HIV who have not achieved viral suppression through antiretroviral therapy (ART) may have a compromised immune system that leaves them vulnerable to opportunistic infections and further disease progression.
At present there is no evidence to suggest that there is an increased risk of infection and increased severity of illness for people living with HIV. We know that during the SARS and MERS outbreaks there were only a few case reports of mild disease among people living with HIV.
Current clinical data suggest the main mortality risk factors are linked to older age and other comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and hypertension. Some very healthy and younger people have also developed severe disease from coronavirus infection.
People living with HIV who know their HIV status are advised to take the same precautions as the general population (e.g., wash hands often, cough hygiene, avoid touching your face, social distancing, seek medical care if symptomatic, self-isolation if in contact with someone with COVID-19, and other actions per local and national government responses). People living with HIV who are taking antiretroviral drugs should ensure that they have at least a 30-day supply of these drugs, if not a 3- to 6-month supply and ensure that their vaccinations are up to date (influenza and pneumococcal vaccines). Polypharmacy considerations should also be taken into account, including related to adequate supplies of medications for comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes), as well as contraception and gender-affirming hormone therapy.
It is also an important opportunity to ensure that all people living with HIV who are not yet on ART get initiated on ART to achieve viral suppression. People who feel they may have been at HIV risk are advised to seek testing to protect against HIV disease progression and complications from any other comorbidities.

There is no evidence that HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents the acquisition of coronavirus, or that its use will help patients recover quicker. If you are having unprotected sex and you think you are vulnerable to acquiring HIV, continue to take PrEP. Regarding HIV antiretrovirals, there is no evidence these medications are effective to treat COVID-19.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

Global Resources