HIV / AIDS: Patients must be vaccinated to prevent common diseases

Olguita del Aguila, a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases, indicated that the Human immunodeficiency virus o HIV destroys CD4 lymphocytes, which are responsible for alerting the defense system for the manufacture of antibodies that fight infections. As a result, these patients are more likely to contract diseases caused by microorganisms.

"People with HIV one of the major groups at risk and therefore need to be vaccinated quickly against diseases such as meningitis, influenza, tetanus and whooping cough; Because they are not only more vulnerable to infection, but also because they are more likely to have serious consequences in case of infection, "said the specialist.

For Dr. Del Aguila, one of the limits of immunization coverage is the fear that some people have with HIV the negative effects it can have on their condition.

"Patients should keep in mind that vaccination will always be very important to them.However, it must be taken into account that the application of live attenuated vaccines (live microbes weakened) is not recommended if their immune status is lowered.The best option is the vaccine inactivated, consisting of dead microbes and that does not prevent the disease, "said the expert.

Vaccination in children with HIV

Dr. Del Aguila said that it is important to pay particular attention to the vaccination of HIV-positive children, which contracts the virus due to mother-to-child transmission. In Peru, an estimated 1,500 children are infected with this virus and are therefore more vulnerable to prevalent childhood diseases.

"Children who do not receive antiretroviral therapy have an increased risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases, which is why immunization should be given priority over antiretroviral treatment with an established schedule of 0 at age 6, which includes essential vaccines such as meningitis, pertussis, influenza and poliomyelitis"Concluded the expert.