HIV Patients Face Higher Risk of Long COVID Complications

Study finds those with HIV have 29% greater chance of developing long-term COVID-19 effects.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new study has found that patients with HIV infection have a 29% higher risk of developing long COVID manifestations compared to those without HIV. The research, which analyzed data from over 800,000 COVID-19 patients in South Carolina, showed those with HIV had notably elevated risks for nervous system disorders, mental health conditions, and respiratory issues as long-term effects of COVID-19.

Why it matters

This study highlights the disproportionate burden of long COVID on people living with HIV, underscoring the importance of close monitoring and sustained follow-up care for COVID-19 survivors in this high-risk population to prevent long-term complications and improve overall health outcomes.

The details

Researchers examined electronic health records of 838,520 COVID-19 patients in South Carolina between March 2020 and January 2022, including 2,662 individuals with HIV infection. They grouped 131 potential long COVID conditions into 13 organ/system categories and found that 16.3% of HIV patients developed long COVID manifestations across at least one of these groups, compared to 10.6% of those without HIV.

  • The study analyzed data from March 2020 to January 2022.
  • The findings were published online on February 4, 2026.

The players

Fanghui Shi

PhD researcher at the University of South Carolina who led the study.

University of South Carolina

The institution where the lead researcher is based and where the study was conducted.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our study highlights the consistent and elevated LC [long COVID] burden in PWH [patients with HIV infection], emphasizing the importance of sustained follow-up for COVID-19 survivors to improve their clinical outcomes and prevent morbidity of LC.”

— Fanghui Shi, PhD researcher

What’s next

Researchers noted the need for further studies to explore the biological and social drivers behind the elevated long COVID risk among people living with HIV, as well as the potential limitations of using ICD-10 codes to identify long COVID cases.

The takeaway

This study underscores the disproportionate impact of long COVID on the HIV population, underscoring the critical need for enhanced monitoring and comprehensive care to support this high-risk group and mitigate the long-term health consequences of the pandemic.