Even More Hazardous to Your Health than You Thought !

Smokers may have higher risk of HIV

"Smoking, already linked to several illnesses, may also increase the risk of infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, researchers said on Thursday.

In a review of studies that looked at the association between smoking and HIV, British doctors said five of the six studies they analysed showed smokers had a higher chance of becoming infected.

Nine of 10 other studies in the review that tracked the progression from HIV to AIDS found no link with smoking.

"The studies identified in this systematic review indicate that while smoking might be independently associated with acquiring HIV infection, it does not appear to be related to progression to AIDS," said Dr Andrew Furber, of the South East Sheffield Primary Care Trust.

Furber and his colleagues, who reported the findings in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, said tobacco smoke may increase susceptibility to HIV infection by modifying a variety of immune system responses."

---

But what about second-hand smoke? Does it lead to increased risk too? Clearly, more bean counting by the experts bunglers is needed, and urgently. Afterall, there are many, many more non-smokers at possible risk than smokers!  And public monies pay for this, year after year, after ...

Comments

[McDonald]

I think what we must aim to find out next is if there are any co-factors in play here, such as sex with giant scorpions. Or if smoking alone is sufficient to cause HIV-infection.

We also need studies to show if pre/post-coital smoking may further increase the already considerable risk of contracting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS)

It would be equally important to see if pre-emptive AZT treatment, targeting those at risk of becoming smokers, would impact the overall HIV incidence.

In this respect it can only be viewed as positive development that a lot of important new markets are now open for charitable drug donors.

[noreen martin]

If there is a full moon out, it ups your chances too. Hank, how do you find this nonsense?

About the article yesterday on testing every one for HIV. The author assertions are right, if one's physician recommends a test, most will have if performed. Doesn't matter that it a bogus test or not. Well, this might be one way to get a rise in the Aids stats. However, I am more concerned about the needless, emotional impact that this will have in so many lives and many will needlessly be placed on toxic drugs.

[Dan]

It's so absurd. All the many factors that contribute to an enhanced ability to "become infected". If you do the math, the most infectable human being on the planet would be a black gay man who's into crystal meth, smokes, is uncircumcised, and has sexually-transmitted microbes that HIV "piggybacks" on.

Hank, is this a joke? Did they REALLY say "HIV, the virus that causes AIDS"? Come on, folks. Wake up to the propaganda!!!