On World AIDS Day – HIV and AIDS: stigmatization and widespread ignorance

For thirty years, World AIDS Day, held annually on December 1, has focused attention on the disease and the successes in the fight against it, as well as on education to eliminate prejudice.

There are currently approximately 8,700 HIV-infected people living in Austria, which is 0.1 percent of the population. Only ten percent of them know about their infection. In 2022 there were 473 new diagnoses.

Discrimination and stigmatization are the order of the day
Every year, between 300 and 500 people in Austria become infected with the HIV virus. Although a normal life and daily life is now possible with HIV infection if diagnosed and treated in time, those affected still face numerous discrimination and stigmatization.

„In treated people, the virus is no longer detectable, “and can no longer be transmitted,” doctor Alexander Zoufaly emphasizes in an interview with the APA. Only 21 percent believe that HIV-positive people pose a danger to society.

Much clarification is needed
Nearly a third (31 percent) of 1,000 Austrians surveyed in August by Medupha Market Research on behalf of pharmaceutical company Gilead wrongly believe that HIV can be transmitted through a kiss, explains Evelyne Ellinger, medical officer at Gilead Austria. In the case of insect bites, 13 percent also assume it and at least twelve and ten percent are wrongly afraid of contamination by sharing dishes or the toilet.

The best way to improve the situation is education. “HIV is primarily a sexually transmitted infection,” Zoufaly assured in the conversation on the occasion of World AIDS Day on December 1. According to the Austrian HIV cohort study, approximately 30 percent of infections occur during heterosexual contacts.

HIV and AIDS are now “easily treated”
Although treatment cannot eliminate the HIV virus from the body forever, it can prevent the resulting AIDS disease from breaking out. Without treatment, it takes an average of eight years from HIV infection to the end stage of AIDS. However, HIV and AIDS are now “easily treated,” Zoufaly explains. Those affected have almost the same life expectancy as healthy people and no longer die from AIDS, but from other diseases.

The therapy now consists of one tablet per day, instead of a maximum of 20 previously. Instead, a bimonthly injection is now also possible. The freedom of choice lies with the patient. There are no side effects except the first two weeks of use.

Condom prevents infection
The easiest way to prevent infection is the condom. People with high-risk contacts can take medications designed to prevent infection, called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). These can be paid for privately in Austria, but to work properly they must be available at a low threshold, Zoufaly demanded, “so that it is not the credit card that decides, but the e-card”. This is an essential aspect of HIV eradication.

The subject of HIV/AIDS is still taboo in society, including in the workplace. This is precisely why those affected often suffer from discrimination or the fear of exclusion. ÖGB employment law expert Martina Lackner answers frequently asked questions in a broadcast.

Do I have to report an HIV infection at work?
Employment law expert Martina Lackner: No that is not necessary. There is no obligation to provide information. Anyone asked about their HIV status may not have to answer the question or may answer it incorrectly.

Can the employer require an HIV test?
No. The employer may not require employees to take an antibody test.

Can I be fired because of or despite HIV/AIDS?
In principle, the employer can cancel at any time; he doesn’t need a reason for that. But: If the employer mentions an HIV infection or AIDS disease as the reason for termination, you can defend yourself against this and challenge the termination on the grounds of discrimination.

Could I be asked during the interview, “Do you have AIDS?” or “Are you HIV negative?”
In principle no. Interview questions should have something to do with the job you are applying for. However, if the new job requires certain health conditions or if the activity poses an increased risk of infection to other people, such questions may be allowed. For example, in healthcare professions – for example in invasive activities, interventions in body substance and/or contact with open wounds (e.g. in the field of surgery). You can’t answer wrong.

Does the company doctor have to tell the employer that I am HIV-positive?
No. Doctors (including company doctors) are subject to medical confidentiality and are punishable if they inform someone about an infection with the HIV virus or an AIDS disease.