For some people, being HIV-positive and living life to the full is a matter of course. For others, this is not always the case. HIV medication, the scene, the circle of friends, one's own psyche and many other factors can have both a positive and negative influence on living with HIV. The scientific study positive voices 2.0 has clearly shown that exclusion, rejection and stigmatisation in particular have a negative impact on the lives of people with HIV.
Living with HIV
HIV has different faces. For many people, being HIV-positive and living life to the full is a matter of course. The fact that HIV is not transmissible under therapy is important. In addition, the type of therapy, the situation at work or experiences with discrimination can also be factors that influence your life with HIV. Here you can find information on choosing a doctor, your rights at work and contact points for HIV-positive people.
Early HIV treatment enables you to live a good and long life. It is important that you find the right treatment for you together with a specialist. Of course, it also depends on the doctor: You should trust him or her and feel that you can address all the important issues. You can find more tips on this page.
Everyone should be free to decide whether and when to come out as HIV-positive to family members or at work. Nobody can force you, but it can still be relieving to talk to friends or colleagues about your infection.
Most people with HIV in Germany are in normal employment. There are also no "job bans" for HIV-positive people. Many are also able to deal openly with their infection in the workplace. Nevertheless, there is still discrimination in the workplace due to HIV.
It's always good to have people who support you. This could be friends, family or even colleagues. But the services offered by AIDS service organisations are also there for you. Here you can find advice, get tips and talk to other people who are also HIV-positive.
Are you being discriminated against because of your HIV infection? Whether this happens at work, in a public authority, hospital or practice... The "HIV-related discrimination" contact centre of Deutsche Aidshilfe can help you.
The initial reactions after an HIV diagnosis are varied and the question often arises: "What happens next?" Then it is good to know someone with whom you can talk openly about everything - and who also knows exactly what you are talking about.
Further offers
We offer various counselling services. Whether online, by phone or in a live chat: experienced and trained counsellors are available to answer all your questions about HIV, STIs, chemsex and mental well-being. You can seek help from the anti-discrimination centre if you have experienced discrimination due to your HIV infection.
On this nationwide telephone number, you will receive advice from qualified staff at local AIDS service organisations throughout Germany.
