19th March 2020
The latest information from Public Health England lists HIV as one of the conditions that could be considered a risk factor for severe illness if someone catches Covid-19.
The Terrence Higgins Trust has published some helpful information for people about what that could mean for an HIV-positive person, which can be read in full by following this link.
https://www.tht.org.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19
One of the most important pieces of information is shown here
“It’s not the case that all people with HIV are considered at increased risk. Those on HIV treatment with a good CD4 count and an undetectable viral load are not considered to have weakened immune systems. I’d advise that a ‘good CD4 count’ means anything over 350. If your CD4 count is less than 350, if you’re not on treatment or if you have a detectable viral load, then it’s particularly important that you follow the guidance on social distancing”
What is meant by Social distancing?
The Government is advising everyone to
- Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
- Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible
- Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information
- Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
- Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
- Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services
Click this link for further Advice about Social Distancing
At the Food Chain we are doing everything we can to provide food, nutrition support and social contact for our service users throughout this time of ‘social distancing’.
Please do contact us if you need to, and we will do our best to help.
We remain open for new referrals to our service , and will respond to these as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your understanding.