https://www.unaids.org/es/20200317_covid19_hiv
COVID-19 is a serious illness and all people living with HIV should take all recommended preventive measures to minimize exposure and prevent infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.
It is important to emphasize that there is currently no strong evidence that people living with HIV are at particularly high risk of contracting COVID-19 or, if they do contract it, that they will experience a worse outcome. This does not mean that people living with HIV should not take COVID-19 lightly; they should take all precautions to protect themselves.
As with the general population, older people living with HIV or people living with HIV who have heart or lung problems may be at increased risk of becoming infected with the virus and experiencing more severe symptoms.
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, it will be important for ongoing research in settings with a high prevalence of HIV in the general population to shed more light on the biological and immunological interactions between HIV and the novel coronavirus.
Precautions that people living with HIV and key populations should follow to prevent COVID-19 infection
Stay safe
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (for 40–60 seconds) or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (for 20–30 seconds).
Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough.
Stay home when you are sick.
If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, and you have recently traveled to or live in an area where COVID-19 has been reported, you should seek medical attention immediately from your community health service, doctor, or local hospital. Before going to a doctor's office or hospital, call ahead and inform them about your symptoms and recent travel.
If you are sick, wear a medical mask and stay away from others.
Stay informed
Learn the facts about COVID-19 and always check with a reliable source, such as the World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/es/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Be prepared
You should have enough of your necessary medical supplies on hand, ideally for 30 days or more. The World Health Organization's HIV treatment guidelines now recommend dispensing three months' worth of HIV medication every two months for most people at routine visits, although this has not been widely implemented in all countries.
Learn how to contact your clinic by phone if you need advice.
Learn how to access treatment and other support within your community. This treatment may include antiretroviral therapy, tuberculosis medication (if you are being treated for tuberculosis), and any other medications for other illnesses you may have.
Key populations, including people who use drugs, sex workers, gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, and prisoners, must ensure they have access to essential means to prevent HIV infection, such as sterile needles and syringes and/or opioid substitution therapy, condoms, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Adequate supplies of other medications, such as contraceptives and gender-affirming hormone therapy, must also be obtained.
Not all countries have implemented policies to allow longer prescriptions. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consider working with others in your community to persuade healthcare providers and decision-makers to provide multi-month prescriptions for your essential medications.
Discuss with your network of family and friends how to support each other should social distancing measures be implemented. Make alternative arrangements within your community for food, medicine, childcare, pet care, etc.
Help others in your community and ensure they also have an adequate supply of essential medicines.
Make sure you know how to communicate with your local network of people living with HIV electronically. Have a plan in place for phone calls and social media in case public health measures require people to stay home or if you become ill.
Take care of yourself and support those around you
The COVID-19 pandemic can cause fear and anxiety: everyone is encouraged to take care of themselves and connect with loved ones. People living with HIV and their communities have decades of experience in resilience, survival, and progress, and can draw on their rich shared history to support their families and communities during this current crisis. Pay special attention to your mental health by:
Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19. Only read information from reliable sources.
Take care of your body. Breathe deeply, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs whenever possible.
Take time to relax and remind yourself that negative feelings will fade. Take a break from watching, reading, or listening to the news—it can be upsetting to hear about the crisis repeatedly. Try doing other activities you enjoy to help you get back to your normal life.
Connecting with others. Share your concerns and how you feel with a friend or family member.
Leave the stigma behind and know your rights
Stigma and discrimination are a barrier to an effective response to COVID-19. This is a time when racism, stigma, and discrimination may be directed against groups considered vulnerable.
The COVID-19 outbreak may affect your workplace, access to healthcare, or access to education, for you or your children, if social distancing measures are implemented in your community. Discover your rights and ensure that you and your community are prepared.
COVID-19 Treatment
The treatment of COVID-19 is an active area of research, and several randomized clinical trials are underway to determine whether antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV could be helpful in treating COVID-19. Many other potential treatments are also being tested in well-designed clinical trials. Because these trials have not yet concluded, it is too early to say whether antiretroviral drugs or other medications are effective in treating COVID-19.