HIV patients at higher risk from flu, WHO says

[Roon]

GENEVA, May 2 (Reuters) - People with HIV are at high risk from the new flu strain that the World Health Organisation said is on the verge of a pandemic, the WHO said on Saturday.

The United Nations agency said people with immunodeficiency diseases -- including the AIDS virus -- will most likely be vulnerable to health complications from the H1N1 strain, as they are from regular seasonal flu, which kills between 250,000 and 500,000 people a year.

HIV and the new flu strain could also mix together in a dangerous way, as has occurred with HIV and tuberculosis, the WHO said in guidance for health workers on its website.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L2516414.htm

[Mojorabbit]

1. This could be a big problem for Africa. nt

[Dark]

2. Isn't this kind of like a 'duh' thing?

n/t

[Bluebear]

3. Yeah. But folks here will accuse the OP of spreading panic.

And that there is never anything to fear from flu.

[BlooInBloo]

5. Except for those 30,000 or so who die from it year in and year out.

[Deja Q]

8. I wouldn't.

[Dark]

9. True.

While there is justification to fear the flu (and especially the swine flu) for said HIV+ people, the elderly and young, most don't have too much to worry from the flu (at least at this point).

Still, this thing could certainly become very dangerous, so I understand letting people know about it.

[Texasgal]

4. I was just going to say that

You beat me to it. :P

[Deja Q]

7. Common sense, thing - yes. Compromised immune systems are easier to infiltrate.

Still, not everybody knows that. Communication is essential too.

I don't see it as a 'duh' issue.

[davidinalameda]

6. let me be the first to say it

DUH!

anyone with a comprised immune system has a higher risk

[Odin2005]

10. Well NO DUH!!! HIV attacks the immune system...

:crazy: