Can an HIV-positive person receive a lung transplant from an HIV-positive donor?

Yes, an HIV-positive person can receive a lung transplant from another HIV-positive donor, it's like getting help from a friend who already knows what you're going through.

Imagine your lungs are like the wheels of a toy car. If they get broken or worn out, you need new ones to keep moving. Now, if someone else’s lungs are healthy and they also have HIV, their lungs can be used as replacement wheels for you, because both of you know how to deal with HIV.

When the donor gives their lungs, the HIV from them goes along with it. But since the person getting the new lungs already has HIV, it’s like having a friend join your team, there's no surprise or extra work needed. The body can handle the HIV just fine.

This is especially helpful because it gives more options for people who need transplants and also live with HIV. It means they don’t have to wait for a lung from someone without HIV, which might be harder to find. It’s like having two friends on the same team, working together makes everything easier!