A comprehensive assessment of the pandemic requires a large sample of actual events. For example, a relatively small number of 1.1 million people in the United States have Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It therefore takes time to gather sufficient evidence to confirm proof of worse COVID outcomes with HIV. The Lancet Magazine has coordinated the facts, and published its findings on October 13, 2021.
How Having HIV Affects the Human Immune System
First, the HIV disease attacks the human immune system. Then, if not treated it develops into the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS. There is no cure for this, but there is medication allowing those affected to live long, healthy lives. And protect their partners as well, according U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
However, if the disease is allowed to continue it eventually develops into Stage 3 Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). At this point, the affected person’s damaged immune system can no longer effectively counter an increasing number of severe illnesses. The Lancet Magazine’s finding confirms COVID-19 is among those ‘opportunistic infections’.
Lancet’s Proof of Worse COVID Outcomes with HIV
Initial reports did not show a higher risk of COVID-19 mortality for people living with HIV. However, the situation proved different when there were sufficient cases to adjust for age. But other risk factors complicate the analysis, making it difficult to isolate the impact on the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing the current pandemic. Now two recent articles have been able to identify the following proof of worse COVID outcomes with HIV:
1… People living with HIV infections associate with a 20% higher risk of hospitalization.
2… They also have a 29% higher risk of COVID-19 mortality after adjusting for other factors.
3… Those other factors include older age, and comorbidities complicating health issues.
4… People with Black or African American or Hispanic or Latinx ethnicity are at greater risk.
The Lancet Magazine says the finding shines light on the ‘stark and harsh reality of the health inequities COVID-19 magnified’. It says it will ‘take more than a vaccine to address the socioeconomic disparities, structural racism, and political inaction that render the most vulnerable in society at the greatest risk of harm.’
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