a question for teak

[boondock]

i have a question teak.  i see you were hiv positive in 1984.  were you able to stay employed as an lpn or a paramedic after being diagnosed?  just curious.

[spoon864]

the same thought went through my head. I am becoming a commercial airline pilot in time, and one of the things they do not do is discriminate against is HIV as far as i know, i think what might eventually become a problem are the MEDS and flying ie side effects- but i know of 2 guys flying in Africa that are positive, and they have no problems. And I would agree with you, there is absolutely no reason for it.

this forum has really helped through a tough time.

Thanks guys.

[nursegirl6572]

I wasn't sure if you were asking if someone couldn't work b/c their illness impaired them, or because of some other reason?  People with HIV live totally normal lives in society.  Okay, totally normal for someone with a chronic illness...but no, there is no reason a person with HIV cannot continue working.

[boondock]

i am on this site to educate myself about HIV.  i've read other sites and they have different information.  this is the first site where people get a specific answer to their questions.

[boondock]

i meant not be able to work in the medical profession. i was just concerned as to the future of my career if i ever do become positive.

[nursegirl6572]

If you plan on entering the medical profession, you need to REALLY educate yourself about HIV.  There are seriously overinflated views about the virus as it pertains to risks in the health care field.  One superficial needlestick injury will NOT lead to infection.

Additionally, why would an HIV POS person NOT be able to work anymore?  I'm curious as to why you asked that?

[boondock]

thanks.  i'm in route to becoming a medical professional.  my bigggest fear is getting needlestuck or something along those lines and not being able to work anymore.  i hope you didn't think i was prying into your personal life i was just curious.  thank you again for your honesty and help.

[Teak]

Yes.