Long COVID in people living with HIV

Abstract

Purpose of review: It is now recognized that SARS-CoV-2 infection can have a long-term impact on health. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding Long COVID in people living with HIV (PLWH).

Recent findings: PLWH may be at elevated risk of experiencing Long COVID. Although the mechanisms contributing to Long COVID are incompletely understood, there are several demographic and clinical factors that might make PLWH vulnerable to developing Long COVID.

Summary: PLWH should be aware that new or worsening symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection might represent Long COVID. HIV providers should be aware of this clinical entity and be mindful that their patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection may be at higher risk.

Figure 1.. Potential contributors to Long COVID in people living with HIV (PLWH).

PLWH may be at elevated risk for Long COVID and other post-acute sequelae following SARS-CoV-2 infection. While the risk factors for and mechanisms of such sequelae are incompletely understood, there are a variety of clinical, demographic, immunologic, and physiologic factors that could explain why PLWH might experience increased vulnerability to complications in the post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. “?” indicates potential contributors with limited strength of evidence.