HIV & COVID-19: A Message from our Medical Director

Dr. Moore presents at the Delta HIV Symposium on March 6.

I know these are trying times now for us all as we cope with a new reality of living with the COVID-19 epidemic. I want you to be assured that ARcare and Positive Connections are here for you. We are open and are still seeing clients at our Service Access Centers.  We are recommending you call and talk to your case manager to see if a need can be met with a phone call. We can also complete your screenings over the phone, if needed. For those who use ARcare as their HIV clinic provider, we are still providing clinic visits in the ARcare clinics when necessary.  However, we can also set up a video telehealth visit or phone call with you and your HIV provider so that you do not have to come to the ARcare medical clinic.

We are learning more and more about COVID-19 as time goes by, especially as it relates to people living with HIV. For those with stable Cd4 counts, you should not be at any higher risk of COVID-19 infection or complications. But we urge all of our clients/patients to practice social isolation as directed staying 6 feet away from others, in order to limit your possible exposure. The other item as you are all aware is to wash hands with foamy soap and water for 20 to 30 seconds. The virus has a “fat layer” on its outside, and the soap removes the fat layer which inactivates the virus, and the water will wash it all away. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, especially after touching commonly touched surfaces (door knobs, rails, touchpads, pens) and also wash your hands before eating or drinking. Currently the CDC is not recommending the general public to wear masks unless you yourself have a cough or if you are a healthcare worker caring for someone with or suspected to have COVID-19.

Please keep yourself current by seeking reputable sources (CDC, Arkansas Department of Health, your medical provider) for the latest updates in order to stay healthy. Much dis-information, conspiracy theories, and “fake news” is shared, so on social media, be sure to check the sources for all posts to make sure the item is from a reliable source.

Again, ARcare Positive Connections is here for you, even if you just need someone to talk to. Together we can get through this!

J. Dan Moore, MD

_____________________________________________________________

J. Dan Moore, MD is the Program Medical Director for Positive Connections and the Chief Medical Information Officer for ARcare.  He manages medical visits for patients at five HIV clinic locations and throughout scattered sites via HIV Telehealth visits.  Dr. Moore may be reached here.

Positive Connections is a program at ARcare connecting the community to HIV prevention, treatment and empowerment.  We believe in a future vision with zero new HIV transmissions and where every person living with or affected by HIV can thrive.  You can learn more about the Positive Connections Program here.