How has coronavirus affected people with HIV

@deekmichelle Hi Michelle, I fortunately don't know anyone who's gotten it (yet, keeping my fingers crossed). The last time I checked, I think the CDC wasn't sure if we were at a higher risk of catching it, but I think if your CD4 count is low or if you fall within the other "high risk" categories (being older, having a respiratory condition, etc.) you might be more likely to have complications if you got infected. I'll have to try to find the site I was looking at and see if they've updated it.

Has anyone on here had it or do you know anyone who's had it?

Ah found it! Yeah, they're saying the same thing as before... https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/hiv.html

Hello @deekmichelle‍ and @imnewhere78‍ thank you for starting and participating in this discussion. I think many members may also be worried or interested in this. 

Hello members, I hope you don't mind that I've tagged you here! How are you doing during this stressful time? What are you doing to stay safe? Have you heard anything about how COVID-19 affects people with HIV/AIDS? Has anyone in your life been infected? Please feel free to share any thoughts, concerns, or advice with us all here!

@Carlos64‍ @just4here‍ @Snowmonster445‍ @Sabrina717‍ @Cliffard‍ @DaeDae‍ @babyhuey121795‍ @Manuel77‍ @Mikalito‍ @Bettyturner30‍ @Detroit55‍ @Tfreshour‍ @Citygirl1996‍ @Stephen3651‍ @a-ts4505‍ @jthomas25‍ @tjwomaha‍ 

Take care and stay safe,

Courtney

Hi all, I've been doing ok during these tough times. I workout  3 times  a week, still speak with my mental health provider and stay in touch with family and friends. I go out to get groceries about once a week and sometimes get take out. I take care of my 76 year old mother who has diabetes so I am very careful when I go out by wearing a mask and staying at least 6' from others. I've heard that if you're on treatment and are undetectable that you are not at a larger risk to acquire the virus. Finally, sadly we lost an Uncle to Covid-19 day before yesterday in NY. I hope everyone stays safe!

Hi everyone, I've also been doing pretty well despite these weird times. I'm in an activist group and we've moved all our activities online so I'm still staying busy, but from home. Feeling good overall. Thank god we have modern technology and can still talk to one another. I've also heard things saying that our treatments may help us "be immune" or at least not have complications if we get it. Obviously don't know if that's true since it seems these days you can always find articles saying the exact opposite of what you've read before. But anyway, trying to look at the bright side of things and keep busy. Anyone have any good Netflix or Hulu recommendations?

@Carlos64‍ I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing people at this time is so hard because you're often denied the proper goodbye. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts! 

Thank you very much.

One thing that I know, having HIV and the experience I faced when I first found out I had it made me better able to handle the fear associated with covid-19. Some of the issues that people are so afraid about over this illness, i have suffered with every day of my life since i was diagnosed so I'm used to it: the stigma of whether you have it, worrying about having other illnesses that can make it worse, trying to social distance from certain people and situations. It's just another day in paradise for me and though I'm concerned, it all is not new to me

@deekmichelle that’s awesome that you’re not panicking at all as panic just adds more stress to this whole situation. I wish I was where you’re at right now meaning not that worried. I got my diagnosis a couple of days before the coronavirus outbreak and I live in New York City so needless to say how freaked out I am right now. I’m worried my mental health will only deteriorate after this although I’m an expert with that because I’ve been dealing with mental health for years now.

Hi everyone, it's been a minute since I've been on here again. I'm glad to hear that you all are doing well for the most part. I'm also doing okay, I've been really trying to focus on my mental health through all of this and lean on my friends. I've got a few who are really struggling stress-wise, they live in areas with lots of cases, and they're doing crazy things like trying to stockpile their prep, especially after hearing that there's a black market for it now in Russia or something. I've personally been avoiding the news a bit because the constant flow of stories that always seem to contradict each other is just not helping. Trying to keep calm and carry on and social distance like a good boy should.

If anyone needs to talk through this please don't hesitate to reach out! We're stronger together, not apart!