Corona / COVID-19

At the end of 2019, a new virus was discovered. Its scientific name is SARS-CoV-2. It belongs to the so-called coronaviruses, which are widespread among mammals and birds. In humans, they usually cause only mild cold symptoms, but they can also trigger severe pneumonia. The disease caused by the new pathogen is called COVID-19. It can seriously endanger health and even be fatal. When talking about this new disease or virus in everyday language - unlike in medicine and science - people often simply refer to it as "corona."

The Essentials at a Glance

• Variants: There are various strains of the new pathogen—some are milder, others more dangerous.
• Vulnerable groups: Those most severely affected are primarily older adults and individuals who already have underlying health conditions.
• Transmission: The primary route of transmission is inhalation: small and microscopic particles (droplets and aerosols) are spread through the air and inhaled.
• Symptoms: The most common symptoms include coughing, fever, a runny nose, and a loss of smell or taste.
• Testing: Whether or not a person has corona can be checked with suitable tests.
• Vaccination: A vaccine is available, with various vaccine options to choose from.
• Protection: Masks, especially FFP2 masks, provide reliable protection against infection.

Further information is available on the German AIDS-Serivce organization's website:

Corona and HIV: The Most Important Information

• The new corona virus SARS-CoV-2 has become native to Europe. This means that there are always new, sometimes seasonal outbreaks, as we already know from the flu, for example.
• People with HIV should be vaccinated against corona to prevent a more severe course or even an infection.
• The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends an annual booster vaccination in the fall for people with HIV or other underlying diseases.
• Vaccination protects against a severe course of the disease.
• Read More

Corona and Vaccination: The Most Important Information

• People with HIV can and should also be vaccinated against corona. An HIV infection does not stand in the way of this.
• An HIV infection alone does not appear to increase or strongly increase the risk of a severe COVID-19 course. However, the risk is increased with an untreated HIV infection and a weakened immune system, as well as with risk factors such as diabetes, kidney disease, or cardiovascular diseases.
• Studies have shown that the vaccine is well tolerated and vaccination reactions quickly disappear.
• People with HIV in Germany belong to the third vaccination group (increased priority) unless they fall into group 1 or 2 due to other characteristics.
• Read More (Website in German)

Corona and Sex: The Most Important Information

• Even in times of corona, it is okay to be physically close and have sex. For most people, intimacy and sex are essential for physical and psychological well-being.
• It is important to know your own needs. You should only do what you are ready for.
• The risk of contracting corona during sex can be reduced by, for example, reducing the number of partners. A test shortly before sex can also lower the risk.
• What is clear: Anyone with cold symptoms or who has had contact with people with COVID-19 and is in quarantine should not have sex involving physical contact. As a (not yet proven) rule of thumb, it might be advisable to refrain from sex with physical contact for the two weeks following the subsidence of symptoms.
• Note for PrEP users: Corona is not a reason to be denied a PrEP prescription. If PrEP is refused, the following guide can offer support.
• The vaccination against COVID-19 provides a high degree of protection against transmitting and catching SARS-CoV-2, though neither can be completely ruled out.
• Read More (Website in German)