The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on April 30 published interim guidance for clinicians treating HIV-positive patients who may have been exposed to or contracted influenza type A/H1N1, dubbed swine flu.

According to a CDC statement: “Any influenza carries potential risks for persons with HIV infection. It is known that adults and adolescents with HIV infection, especially persons with low CD4 cell counts, are at higher risk for viral and bacterial lower respiratory tract infections and for recurrent pneumonias. Because adults and adolescents infected with HIV experience more severe complications of seasonal influenza, it is reasonable to assume that they are also at higher risk for swine influenza complications.”

To learn more about HIV and swine flu, click here to read our Web Exclusive, “Swine Flu and You.”