Smoking: it doesn't make living with HIV any easier.

AIDS: Smoking is a well-recognized risk to health, particularly for people with HIV. HIV-positive smokers are more likely to develop Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), thrush, and oral hairy leukoplakia. The bacteria that causes Mycobacterium avium Complex (MAC), a life-threatening infection found in many people with HIV, has been found in tobacco products and can survive the smoking process. Suggestions to help people with HIV quit smoking include choosing the right approach, using smoking cessation programs and methods, and obtaining information. Contact information is provided for organizations such as the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association, which have smoking-cessation information and programs.^ieng