Influenza A (H1N1) with HIV infected people

A new strain of influenza A(H1N1) which is transmitted from person to person was first detected in April 2009 in America and Mexico. Up to now, there has not been enough data to fully assess who is at higher risk or who suffers more serious side-effect from Influenza A (H1N1). However, HIV-infected adults and minors, and especially those who have low T-helper (CD4) cell level are considered to have a higher risk of being infected and attacked by the virus that can lead to pneumonia.

According to research on HIV-infected people who have seasonal flu, HIV-infected adults and minors are more likely to be infected with flu. Certain other research also shows that the hospitalization rate and mortality rate of HIV-infected people with flu is higher and their sickness time is longer. Thus, people whose immune system are vulnerable including HIV-infected people, especially those with low T-helper (CD4) cell level or those are in late stage of disease progression (AIDS) are particularly vulnerable to seasonal flu and also with Influenza A (H1N1). Influenza A (H1N1) is an acute respiratory infection and typical symptoms include a cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, headache and muscle pain. HIV-infected people’s development of flu is quicker and they could suffer more serious complications such as pneumonia.

About treatment: Influenza A has currently been sensitive to neuraminidase inhibitors such as zanamivir and oseltamivir. But it resists some other inhibitors such as adamantine-based drugs such as amantadine and rimantadine. Adults and minors who are confirmed or suspected to infected with influenza A H1N1, need to be treated by inhibitor drugs. HIV infected adults and minors who come into contact with people who are infected with the virus and are themselves suspected to be infected with influenza A H1N1 also need to be treated by inhibitor drugs such as oseltamivir or zanamivir. Doctors recommend that they should be treated as soon as possible after the onset of influenza’s symptoms and it’s better to be treated within the first 48 hours since the onset of symptoms. The duration of treatment by inhibitor drugs is the same whether or not the patient is infected with HIV. Also, there is no difference in the side effect of drugs or contraindication for patients with influenza A/H1N1 who are infected with HIV.

The risk of influenza A H1N1 infection can be reduced by limiting contact with people with respiratory tract infections, frequently washing hands with soap, covering mouth when coughing or sneezing, staying at home or going to the medical sites when sick and needing treatment. In addition, it’s important to avoid contact with other members of the family. Other measures to reduce the risk of influenza A H1N1 infection are eating healthily to maintain health and to improve the body’s resistance against diseases.

Patients with HIV / AIDS who are treated by antiretroviral (ARV) drugs or anti-opportunistic infection drugs should be treated in accordance with the compliance guidelines by the doctor.

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To prepare to make evaluation after three years of implementation of the Law on HIV/AIDS prevention and control

To prepare to make evaluation after three years of implementation of the Law on HIV/AIDS prevention and control

To conduct the activity program of 6 early months in 2010, on March 19, 2010 The Steering Committee of the National Assembly for social issues held a session with specialists of health and law sector to preliminarily make evaluation after three years of implementation of the Law on HIV/AIDS prevention and control since it came into effect in January 1, 2007

Administrator of the VAAC Nguyen Thanh Long visited and offered gifts to HIV/AIDS infected children

Administrator of the VAAC Nguyen Thanh Long visited and offered gifts to HIV/AIDS infected children
On the occasion of the new year of Tiger, PH.D. Nguyen Thanh Long, the Administrtor of Viet Nam HIV/AIDS control – Ministry of Health visited and offered gifts to HIV/AIDS infected children, foster mothers and staff of Centre for Education and Social Labor II, Bavi, Hanoi.

Training of trainers (ToT) at provincial level on communication and Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) for HIV/AIDS prevention and control

Training of trainers (ToT) at provincial level on communication and Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) for HIV/AIDS prevention and control
From January 26 to February 3, 2010 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam Administration of HIV/AIDS control joined force with UNICEF to hold 2 ToT training courses at provincial level on information, education and BCC for HIV/AIDS prevention and control.