COVID-19 is “Airborne AIDS”: provocative oversimplification, emerging science, or something in between?

SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1, though distinct, share parallels in their biochemical traits and mechanisms (1, 3, 7), long-term impacts and societal responses (4). Both can establish persistent infections in tissue reservoirs (37, 127), immune dysfunction (21, 42, 56, 57), vulnerability to other infections including opportunistic (68, 70, 71, 74, 222), systemic damage including hallmarks of accelerated biological aging (184, 187), and premature neurocognitive disorders (117). HIV integrates into DNA, whereas SARS-CoV-2 and its parts persist in organs like the blood vessels, brain, heart, tonsils, and lungs (127).

The statement that SARS-CoV-2 is “airborne AIDS” may be an oversimplification, but it draws attention to emerging evidence showing that the virus induces a distinct form of acquired immunodeficiency (AID). The phrase emphasizes key similarities and is grounded in evidence of shared outcomes, including immune dysfunction through T cell depletion and exhaustion(16, 39, 101), persistent systemic damage, and neurocognitive decline. These outcomes are further highlighted by the increased vulnerability to infectious diseases (50, 62-66), including those that are signature indicators of immune deficiency typically associated with HIV/AIDS(66, 68-78), as well as likely several types of cancer (79-85). Combined with its airborne spread and high transmissibility, SARS-CoV-2 is an ongoing threat to immunity and contributes to the population-level spread of many infections, amplifying its impact on public health.

What can anyone say at this point?

As the Flu Surges in Asia, Could Getting Sick Year-Round Be the New Normal?

This is like year 3 or 4 of record levels of flu activity.

keep up to date with vaccinations and wear masks if you can.