Living with HIV in the Philippines: Email 441: The New Year Smoke

New Year's eve is just around the corner. So as the smoke and powder from firecrackers. What risks do PLHIV get from smoke? Could long exposure cause cold, cough, pneumonia? Should PLHIV (especially with low CD4) just stay indoor during New Year's eve?

Dennis

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi Dennis.

Thank you for your email. Thank you for sharing your concerns with us.

Your question is pretty interesting and very timely.

What PLHIV's with low CD4 need to avoid is getting sick. Colds, cough and pneumonia are viral and bacterial infections and are communicable diseases. This means that a carrier is needed for one to get them.

During the new year festivities, in the Philippines, smoke will definitely envelop the major cities but this does not mean that in one night, one can get pulmonary infections from them. Anyway, even when you are indoor, the smoke can still get through the window cracks so no need to avoid it.

If I were you, just enjoy the festivities, laugh and enjoy the company of family and friends. Having fun lifts up the spirit and no matter what, it has a boosting effect on your immune system.

I hope I was able to answer your concerns. Feel free to email me again if you have other questions.

Happy New Year!

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy

"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-

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