Primary care has an important role in:
- appropriate testing for HIV
- signposting patients to preventative treatments (PrEP and PEP)
- vaccines and routine preventative healthcare.
People living with HIV are at increased risk of certain co-morbidities including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and frailty. HIV care within primary care includes
- Vaccines: annual flu vaccine, PCV-13 on diagnosis of HIV, PCV-23 if at risk
- Cardiovascular risk: statins have shown benefit for all people living with HIV aged 40 and over, further guidance from HIV clinic
- Smear test yearly for people with a cervix aged 25 to 64
- Osteoporosis: guidance from HIV clinic
- Medications: enter anti-retroviral medication on patients’ medicines to signpost drug interactions
Resources
North West London ICS HIV quick reference guidance
BHIVA guidelines on the use of vaccines in HIV-positive adults