Coronavirus & Living with HIV

By: Brandon M. Macsata, CEO, ADAP Advocacy Association

The World Health Organization ("WHO") this week declared the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") a global health pandemic, which is a designation given to a global disease outbreak. Previously, such designations were given to the Spanish Flu in 1918, Asian Flu in 1957, and HIV/AIDS in 1981 (History.com). Increasingly, many people living with HIV are asking if they should be concerned about the coronavirus? This week's blog includes several important resources.

Photo Source: ABC57 - South Bend, Indiana

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention ("CDC") website is making available real-time information about COVID-19, which is being made available online from the White House Coronavirus Task Force.

• Things you should know about coronavirus if you are living with HIV (The most effective way to prevent the spread and infection of the coronavirus is to practice good hand and respiratory hygiene). This article is authored by Rebecca Kelly in Gay Community News.
• Here's The Latest Advice From Experts About Coronavirus And HIV. This article is authored by Patrick Strudwick in Buzzfeed. 
• For now, no evidence to show that people with HIV are at greater risk of coronavirus. This article is authored by Roger Pebody in aidsmap.com.
• How To Avoid Coronavirus? Lessons From People Whose Lives Depend On It. This article is authored by Anna Maria Barry-Jester in Kaiser Health News.
• Will That Prevent COVID-19? A Pathologist Grades Coronavirus Precautions (From fist bumps to face masks -- an evaluation of disease determent). This article is authored by Judy Melinek, M.D. in MedPage Today.
• Track the Coronavirus Outbreak on Johns Hopkins Live Dashboard (Realtime infection and death data from five sources). This resource is coordinated by Molly Walker in MedPage Today.

If social distancing isn't an option to reduce exposure to COVID-19, then please follow the WHO's basic protective measures against the new coronavirus.

Disclaimer: Guest blogs do not necessarily reflect the views of the ADAP Advocacy Association, but rather they provide a neutral platform whereby the author serves to promote open, honest discussion about public health-related issues and updates.