Dr. Jonathan Mermin gave a presentation to AIDSWatch 2020 on March 30, 2020. Mermin is the director for the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Mermin's presentation focused on COVID-19 and what people living with HIV need to know.
He offered five recommendations:
- Have an ample supply of medication, ideally a 90-day supply.
- Keep vaccinations up-to-date, particularly the influenza and pneumococcus vaccines.
- Establish a plan for clinical care if isolated/quarantined. Consider telemedicine options or physician online portals.
- Maintain a social network to socialize distantly.
- In conversation with health care providers, weigh the risks and benefits of going to office visits or the hospital.
