30/06/2020
Throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Terrence Higgins Trust, the oldest of the United Kingdom’s HIV service providers, has been updating members, supporters, journalists and the general public about the way in which coronavirus is impacting the lives of people living with HIV. The charity’s medical director, Doctor Michael Brady has been following developments closely and has reported this week with a new blog post on THT’s popular national website. The article is detailed and answers many key questions that have been sent in to THT from people living with HIV. In brief, it is important to stress that Doctor Brady says “Although people living with HIV are not included in the list of extremely vulnerable people who need to be shielded, we and the British HIV Association (BHIVA) advise that those with a CD4 count less than 50 or those diagnosed with an opportunistic infection in the last six months should also follow the shielding advice.”. On the other hand, Doctor Brady writes: “Those on HIV treatment with a good CD4 count and an undetectable viral load are not considered to have weakened immune systems. A ‘good’ CD4 count means anything over 200.”. The blog is easy to read and the questions are answered clearly and in detail. You can visit the Terrence Higgins Trust online and find its very user friendly website at tht.org.uk. Also, don’t forget that advice, support and a friendly ear is available from the THT Direct Helpline on 0808 802 1221, from ten am to six on weekdays and ten am to one pm on weekends.
