A positive HIV test gives most people a shock at first. Many are afraid of becoming sick and of dying and it's hard for them to imagine how life will go on. Desires for a happy relationship, a sex life, and perhaps children can suddenly seem impossible to achieve.

If you currently find yourself in this situation, you've come to the right place. We offer information about what it means to live with HIV today and where you can get support.

The most important thing first: your life is definitely not over! On the contrary, you can continue to live as you have in many respects. Almost all possibilities still remain open to you.

Today, effective treatment enables many HIV-positive people to live an almost entirely normal life and also prevents them from becoming ill with AIDS. Therefore, in case you have become infected in recent years, your life expectancy is hardly shorter than other people’s.

What will change?

Of course, there are also things that will change in your life due to HIV. For example, regular medical check-ups are necessary, and at some point you will need to start taking medicine against HIV. You will probably also ask yourself at some point with whom you will want or need to tell about your HIV status. It will not always be easy to live with HIV, but these challenges can be met.

You are not alone in facing them. There are many self-help groups in Germany where you can meet other people with HIV and also the buddy-project helps you to get in direct contact with other HIV-positive people. Additionally, the counselors at the AIDS organizations will also be there to support you, if you wish. Finally, having a good relationship with your HIV doctor can also provide a great deal of support.