Quitting is a good idea for people with HIV

10 March 2015

Dr Marc Lipman, a consultant in respiratory and HIV medicine at the Royal Free London, talks about the problems caused by smoking and why quitting is such a good idea for people with HIV.

“Remarkable advances in the treatment of HIV enable most people with the virus to live a long and healthy life.

“Unfortunately people with HIV are statistically more likely to be smokers and are therefore at a greater risk of harm than those who do not have the virus.

“There is evidence to suggest that smokers with HIV are more likely to develop smoking-related diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer, earlier in life. Smoking with HIV also increases the chance of severe chest infections.

“Interventions to stop smoking are effective and can help reduce the risk of these smoking-related conditions in those living with HIV.”

The Royal Free London offers a specialist, friendly, confidential and responsive service to all patients, visitors and staff who want to quit smoking for good. Find out more about our stop smoking service.

Image: Dr Marc Lipman

ENDS

Notes to editors

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published public health smoking cessation guidance specifically for hospitals, which includes offering support for people to stop smoking and making all NHS secondary care hospitals completely smoke free.

Smoke free policies have received widespread support. A 2011 YouGov poll found that 82% of people surveyed believed that having smoke free environments was good for the health of the population.

Media contacts: daniel.obrien1@nhs.net or call 0207 317 7740