Opioid, HIV and Immune System

Inclusion Criteria23

• For Opioid (OP) users/non-users:
• OP users - prescribed opioids for at least the past 90 days; or injecting opioids for at least 90 days
• Opioid never-users in the past year
• Additional criteria for OP users:
• OP use for 90 days pre-flu vaccination
• Continued OP use for 4 weeks post flu vaccination
• For HIV positive participants:
• \) HIV infection, as documented by any licensed ELISA kit and confirmed by Western blot at any time prior to study entry. Participants on ART as a result of prior HIV documented infection will not be required to provide proof of diagnosis of HIV infection.
• Additional criteria for HIV positive participants:
• On ART for at least 1 year with plasma pending viral load (VL) \<200 copies/mL. Occasional viral blips up to 1000 copies/ml also acceptable provided the patients are on continuing treatment
• CD4 count available in the prior 6 months and \>200/mm3
• Undetectable viral load (\< 200 copies/mL)
• For HIV negative participants:
• \) Documented negative HIV test, either by any licensed ELISA or rapid tests within the past 6 months.
• For all participants:
• Individuals age 18-60 yrs .
• No history of other immunodeficiency disorders
• Not on steroid or other immunosuppressive/immunomodulators medications.
• No active malignancies.
• No contraindication to receive influenza vaccination (allergy to chicken eggs or to any other substance of the vaccine).
• Agreeable to receive the influenza vaccination.
• Agreeable to participate in study for a complete course of study full visits.
• Able to provide informed consent.