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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

HIV And Seasonal Allergies

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
New Brunswick, NJ

It’s allergy season and my eyes are watering,sneezing,fatigue etc. anyone know if HIV makes seasonal allergies worse? And do they affect viral load or cd counts? I’m taking an antihistamine but still feel uggg😵‍💫

May 9 (edited)
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A myHIVteam Member

There are two wings of the immune system, inflammation & cellular. HIV affects the cellular response; the immune library of vaccinations & prior exposures. Covid affects the inflammatory response, making it go haywire.

Allergies are primarily inflammation, so really not the part of the immune system affected by HIV (except for anaphylactic reactions, like a peanut allergy).

May 10
A myHIVteam Member

I don't think hiv makes it worse either well at least for me

May 9
A myHIVteam Member

I never really made any connection between my allergies and my HIV. I suffer pretty much year round and this year's been bad. First we had an early spring here in North Central Arkansas, which second, made every tree and blade of grass come to life at the end of Feb. Now, of course, they are just haywire. I take Benadryl at night and Claritin during the day! Sometimes helps. Seems like the older I get the worse they are. You've given me something to think about.

May 10
A myHIVteam Member

No. In 33 years I have not noticed any change in my seasonal allergies due to HIV. That being said, my allergies have worsened as I have gotten older, but I believe that to be age-related or even location related.
I make sure to always have a bottle of cetirizine on hand, as well as antihistamine eye drops and an allergy nasal spray. Between the three, I get good results and am able to manage my allergies pretty well.

May 10
A myHIVteam Member

I have all year-round allergies, LOL. Everyone is different when it comes to their HIV and allergies. I do not think HIV makes them worse you can see an allergist to find out.

May 9

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