All about HIV, syphilis & Co.

HIV is the abbreviation for "Human Immunodeficiency Virus". Shortly after infection (up to 2 weeks), HIV infection is usually accompanied by flu-like symptoms (these are so non-specific that they are usually not recognized). As the infection progresses, after varying amounts of time, the immune system weakens and certain diseases appear. A person who has contracted HIV is called HIV-positive.

HIV leads to a weakening of the immune system in the course of infection. This makes it easier for diseases to occur that a healthy organism can usually ward off. One speaks of AIDS when either defined diseases already occur and/or the immune system is severely weakened. AIDS is the abbreviation for "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome".

The drugs used in HIV therapy prevent HI viruses from multiplying. As a result, no new viruses are created, the immune system can stabilize and thus remains functional. With the therapies available today, AIDS no longer breaks out in HIV-positive people. However, HIV therapy cannot cure the infection. It is a lifelong therapy that must be taken constantly (daily).

Protection through therapy: Nowadays, HIV-positive people are considered non-infectious under effective therapy. This effect is called "treatment as prevention" or the "viral load method." However, there are a few points to keep in mind. If you want to know more about these protection options, we will be happy to assist you. Just call our telephone consultation or make an appointment for a personal consultation. We are here for you.

An Infection most commonly occurs through one of these body fluids: Blood, semen or vaginal fluid. The highest risk therefore occurs during unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse, because the mucous membrane in the vagina and intestine offers a large "attack surface," the virus concentration in semen is high, and the anal mucosa is prone to injury. Oral sex is much less risky as long as no sperm or menstrual blood enters the mouth. If you have had unprotected sex, we strongly recommend that you get tested for HIV and other STDs.

The level of risk of infection due to sexual intercourse without a condom depends on several factors:

• Type of sexual practice
• Number or frequent change of sexual partners
• Whether other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) already exist
• From the number of HIV-positive people in the sexual environment

Other infection possibilities

• Commonly used paraphernalia (e.g., injecting equipment, sniffing tubes) for drug use
• Any kind of blood contact (e.g. also during first aid)
• Mother-to-child transmission (mother-to-child transmission can now be virtually eliminated in Austria thanks to medical preventive measures).

How is HIV not transmitted - what is safe?

There is no risk of contracting HIV through normal social contacts when living with HIV-positive people.

• Shake hands
• Kissing, hugging
• Swimming, sports
• Sharing eating utensils/drinking glasses or toiletries.
• Toilet use and much more...

After a high risk of HIV infection, e.g. condom rupture, unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse, partners with uncertain/unknown HIV status, you should immediately contact an HIV treatment center.

Ideally, the affected person* should visit a hospital within 1-2 hours if possible, but within 48 hours at the latest, and start PEP, which must be taken for 4 weeks.

People* who are HIV positive and whose viral load is below the detection limit cannot transmit HIV.

That's where you can go: 

Klinik Penzing
Lungenambulanz – Immunambulanz, Pavillon Leopold

Sanatoriumstraße 2
1140 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 910 60 – 42 710

Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:00 Acute cases: 24 hours, also on Sundays and holidays

U3 (Ottakring)/U6 (Thaliastraße) + Bus 48A (Baumgartner Höhe)
U4 (Unter St. Veit) + Bus 47A (Baumgartner Höhe)

Allgemeines Krankenhaus der Stadt Wien (AKH)
Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie – HIV Ambulanz 4 Süd

Währinger Gürtel 18 – 20
1090 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 40 400 – 42 400

Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:30 (registration until 12:00)

U-Bahn: U6, Station: Michelbeuern/ AKH
Straßenbahn: 5 und 33, Station: Lazarettgasse

Klinik Favoriten
Infektionsambulanz – Ambulanz für HIV Infektion, Pavillon C

Kundratstraße 3
1100 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 60 191 – 24 50

Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 13.00 (registration until 12:00)

U1 (Reumannplatz)/ U6 (Bahnhof Meidling)+ Bus 7A (Franz-Josef-Spital)

There are many different types of hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E). These viruses are much easier to transmit than HIV. There is no preventive protection for every type of hepatitis. Despite the possibility of vaccination against hepatitis A and B, many people still become infected with these viruses.

Undiagnosed and accordingly untreated, these infections can lead to liver damage, the development of cirrhosis or carcinoma. The majority of people with hepatitis C are unaware of the infection - therefore only a small proportion in Europe (about 3.5%) are treated. Today, there is a very good chance of cure for hepatitis C infection with appropriate treatment. Despite the high costs, the new therapies are already paid for in some cases. In principle, early diagnosis is very important, as appropriate behavior can prevent further spread. Population groups with an increased risk of hepatitis usually also have an increased risk of HIV.

In hepatitis B, the virus enters your body through blood or other body fluids during: - anal sex, blowing or vaginal sex without a condom, sharing toothbrushes, razors, nail scissors, etc. unsterile tattooing, - sharing drugs.

In hepatitis C, transmission happens through blood-to-blood contact : when:- sharing toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, etc. - non-sterile tattooing - anal sex or vaginal sex without a condom - slamming and sharing intravenous drugs.

In the case of hepatitis B, drug treatment depends on the severity of the course. If the body is unable to fight the hepatitis B viruses sufficiently, hepatitis B cannot be completely cured even with medication. However, by supporting the immune system in fighting the virus or suppressing viral replication, the risk of developing severe liver damage or secondary diseases can be reduced. The risk of infection can also be reduced by drug treatment.

Bei Hepatitis C wurden in den letzten Jahren Medikamente mit völlig neuartigen Wirkprinzipien entwickelt. Sie greifen direkt an unterschiedlichen Punkten des Vermehrungszyklus des Hepatitis-C-Virus ein und werden daher als direkt antivirale Substanzen (DAAs) bezeichnet. (Mehr Informationen auf dem österreichischen Gesundheitsportal)

Syphilis is a disease caused by a bacterium that can affect the entire body. Infection occurs almost exclusively through sexual contact.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are curable, bacterial infections that can be transmitted even during safe sex. Condoms reduce the risk of infection significantly, but not completely. Untreated chlamydial infections can lead to infertility. Untreated gonorrhea infections can lead to inflammation of the internal sex organs, infertility, and joint inflammation of the fingertips.

The treatment is carried out with antibiotics. During treatment, sexual activity must be avoided.