Coronavirus : Swiss AIDS Federation
Bild: Uwe Krejci/ Getty Images

Having sex during the Corona Pandemic ?!

Just because the world has changed, it does not mean that ones sexual needs have changed.

The recommendation is however clear:

Sex dates should now be avoided; because you can be infected anywhere where people congregate together, and therefore also when having sex: this means that when several people come together in a confined space, for instance at a private sex party, the infection risk is huge.

Can I still have sex ?

Basically yes; with people in the same household or with your permanent partner. The requirement is, that you do not have any Corona symptoms and that you do not meet up with others for sex. Also that you follow the recommendations and guidelines of the Swiss Government regarding partners outside of your relationship.

Can I still have HIV- and STI-Tests ?

The best thing to do is to contact your testing location directly or log in to aids.ch and see when routine testing will become available again.

What do I do if I have been at risk from HIV ?

Thanks to the PrEP emergency treatment, an HIV infection can be avoided. Act quickly because after 48 hours it will be too late. In order to assess the risk situation; get in touch with one of our specialist centres by phone (Attention:: our opening times have changed) or make direct contact with the Accident & Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.

What should I do if I’m displaying the symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease ?

If symptoms such as discharge, a burning sensation, itching, pain, inflammation, or red patches occur you should be tested as quickly as possible (for gonorrhea, syphilis, etc.) Contact your doctor or one of our centres by telephone.

I am taking the PrEP but am currently not having sex. Should I put the PrEP on hold ?

During a period of sexual abstinence, it can make sense to put the PrEP on hold. If you want to stop taking the PrEP, take one tablet a day for a further seven (7) days after you last had sex so as not to run the risk of an HIV infection before stopping the PrEP treatment. Important: If you do have sex again; start taking it in the habitual way. Further information under myprep.ch.

Does the PrEP act as protection from the Corona virus ? And what is the situation with other HIV medication ?

No: there are rumours going around, that the PrEP also serves as a protection against the Corona virus. This is absolutely false !

Can an infection with the Corona virus have an effect on my HIV test ?

To date no Corona virus infection has put into question the reliability of the HIV test. It is not to be expected that the antibodies against the Corona virus can interfere with the HIV tests.

HIV positive: No reason to worry!

As an HIV positive person; is there a greater risk factor?

If you are HIV positive, are undergoing treatment with a well functioning retroviral therapy and you have a good immunity level (more than 200 CD4/mm3), then you do not belong to the group of people who are particularly at risk. Though for you the same protective measures do still apply. Protect yourself and others: the rules.

When am I considered to be one of the at risk people ?

Those who have a CD4 Level below 200 (with or without an HIV therapy) have a higher risk of becoming ill and being infected with the new Corona virus.

You belong to the particularly at risk group, if you:

  • are over 65 years old
  • have a high blood pressure or diabetes,
  • suffer from chronic cardiovascular disease(s),
  • have chronic respiratory disease(s),
  • are undergoing medical treatment for cancer
  • have a weakened immune system due to various illnesses and/or therapies.

Especially people who belong to the group listed above are at a higher risk of developing illnesses related to the new Corona virus. If you belong to this at risk group and if you have questions; contact your doctor.

Is there a shortage of HIV medication ?

No. It is not necessary to stock up on medication. Medical suppliers are not reporting any shortage of medication. Specialists are monitoring the situation very carefully and are fully aware of the importance of being able to supply you further with medication. For those who are afraid of going personally to the chemist; it is possible to have the medication delivered via a Swiss mail order chemist.

For information on coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2 / COVID-19):
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH

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