As people around the world unite to fight HIV and show their support for those living with the virus on World AIDS Day today, FDA is reminding people with HIV/AIDS and those who prepare food for them, about the importance of safe food handling in preventing foodborne illness.
Practicing food safety is critical because the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) can damage, or destroy the body's immune system, making those living with this disease more susceptible to foodborne illness. If a person with HIV/AIDS contracts a foodborne illness, the risk of lengthier illness, hospitalization or even death can increase.