Big flu season alarming.

Medical experts are describing this as the worst flu season in decades for people with weak immunity. And HIV-positive people, who are among those most endangered by flu-related complications, are being urged to get their share of a short supply of influenza vaccines. "More of my patients are asking for the vaccine, and I am probably urging the reluctant ones more forcefully" this year, said Daniel Klein, an [KV/AIDS specialist with Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Hayward, Calif.

Due to a nationwide shortage, standard flu vaccines arc being reserved for those who need them moat, including people with HIV. Although the shots may prove ineffective while producing short-lived increases in HIV viral loads, their potential benefits in warding off such serious flu complications as pneumonia decidedly outweigh any risks, said Lee Klosinski, director of programs at MDS Project Los Angeles.