UK researchers have found that smokers could be at a higher than average risk of contracting HIV. T...
UK researchers have found that smokers could be at a higher than average risk of contracting HIV.
The scientists, based in Sheffield and Leeds, analysed six studies that examined the correlation between smoking and contracting the virus. Five out of these six studies concluded that smokers are at a higher risk of being HIV positive. This increased risk can be anything between 60% and 300%.
The study, published in the British Medical Journal's sister publication Sexually Transmitted Infections, also investigated whether smoking was related to the progression of the virus to Aids. However, after analysing 10 studies, the researchers only found evidence of this in one.
According to a report by NetDoctor, the research team believed that there is a link between tobacco and increased susceptibility to HIV because smokers may be adversely modifying their lung structures, and detrimentally affecting their immune systems. Tobacco smoke can also affect the production of antibodies and the effectiveness of white blood cells, said the report.
The researchers said that the consistency of the findings was 'striking' and that the study used large sample sizes.
Insurers generally exclude HIV and Aids from cover, as it is not considered an acceptable risk. This means most people with HIV have to resort to Lloyd's to get bespoke cover, but these policies usually offer limited cover and can be expensive.
Totally Insured Group launched a product last year aimed at people with HIV, called Positively Insured. The 10-year term life policy has a set benefit of £10,000 plus an accidental death insurance option. Average monthly premiums range from £5 for people aged 18-39 to £44 for people aged up to 64.
