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HIV/AIDS and the common cold: the extent of the risk
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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If your immune system is weakened by HIV/AIDS, it becomes very difficult to effectively fight off colds, flu, or other viral infections. That's why it's important to understand everything you can about staying healthy and avoiding colds and flu when you have AIDS. Here's what you need to know about HIV/AIDS and colds to stay healthy.
Read also: HIV/AIDS and Flu
Why is the common cold such a huge problem for people with HIV/AIDS?
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) kills or damages the body's immune system cells, making it much harder to fight off infections such as the common cold virus. If you are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, you are also more likely to develop complications from the common cold, such as pneumonia.
What cold treatment can be used if a person has HIV/AIDS?
As soon as you feel the first symptoms of a cold, call your doctor immediately, because HIV/AIDS has already weakened your immune system. While there are no antiviral drugs to eliminate cold viruses, your doctor will recommend the best treatment for the first cold symptoms.
Colds usually last a week and go away on their own, even in people with HIV. However, if your immune system is significantly weakened, you are much more likely to get serious complications from a cold, such as pneumonia or bronchitis or tracheitis. If your cold symptoms do not improve or you develop shortness of breath or a high fever, talk to your doctor so that he or she can prescribe more aggressive treatment if needed.
Cold Relief Measures for People with HIV/AIDS
When you have a cold, be sure to drink plenty of fluids (up to two liters a day) to avoid dehydration, especially if you have a high body temperature. A high temperature - above 39 degrees Celsius - is a sign that you may have the flu, not a cold at all. And the flu is much more serious and dangerous for the body. If you have flu symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.
Flu medications taken early can shorten the duration of flu symptoms, and are most effective when used early. To protect yourself from the flu, even if you have no appetite, try to eat something. Even a light meal, such as vegetables or fruit. Even a small amount of food can help you with a cold until your appetite returns. Rest assured, if you get enough rest and sleep, your body has every chance of recovering quickly.
Can a person prevent a cold if they have HIV/AIDS?
Because people with HIV/AIDS are more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, it is important for them to always maintain good personal hygiene to reduce their chances of catching a cold. Talk to your family and friends about preventing the spread of cold viruses. They can easily do this by covering their mouths when they cough, they should also wash their hands quite often and avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands, and then any household surface that is teeming with viruses and bacteria.
Additionally, regularly use antibacterial bleach or mild chemical cleaners to kill germs on common household items and furniture, such as computer mice and keyboards, telephone handsets, doorknobs, kitchen and bathroom countertops and sinks, and especially the refrigerator handle.
Talk to your doctor about getting the pneumonia and flu vaccines for you and for everyone in your household to help prevent the spread of viruses to your loved ones. The CDC recommends that people with chronic medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, and those with weakened immune systems be among the first to get the flu vaccine each year.
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Be especially careful during cold and flu season!
Flu season can start as early as October and end in May. The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available in the fall so your body has time to build up enough antibodies before flu season. Getting the flu vaccine before December will work much better, but you can still get the shot in December or later if needed. The flu shot usually takes effect about two weeks after you get it. Depending on your age and your medical problems, you may only need the pneumonia shot and only once a year.
Also, avoid being in large crowds during cold and flu season, as these illnesses can cause serious problems for people with HIV/AIDS. Or even more severe immune system disorders. Keep your immune system healthy by getting plenty of sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and avoiding stress. Also, pay attention to your healthy lifestyle by avoiding cigarette smoke and air pollutants.
HIV/AIDS and colds should not prevent you from living a quality life. So before they get ahead of you and attack, think through your precautions like a good chess player and attack first.