|
My Co-Worker has HIV/AIDS. Should I Quit?
I know in this day that lots of people are HIV+ or have AIDS. I know they can lead decently healthy lives. Just, personally, I have never known an HIV positive person or someone suffering from AIDS, and, of course, I do not want something like this. It's just scary.
Yesterday I was at work and this new guy said something about getting AIDS tested the day before. He was talking to another guy from work that he's made friends with.
I am really feeling weird about this. I know HIV/AIDS has to be spread through blood or some sort of bodily fluids like that. I know I'm not going to just catch it from the air or just looking at him. I'm a bit uncomfortable though and I'm nervous. I won't ever know if the test says he's positive or not probably. I mean that's not something you go around screaming at work.
Should I look for another job? I'm serious about this making me uncomfortable. There isn't anything that can make me relaxed around this guy and I don't want my work to suffer because I'm too focused on him possibly having an STD. He does seem like a good guy apart from this possible problem so it's nothing "against" him. I've only been at the job for maybe 6 months so it isn't like I've been working there for years and years.
What would you do?
What should I do?
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Health?
I think you're overreacting.
Getting tested for HIV is the sensible thing to do if you've had sex with a new partner. I've been tested, as have several of my friends. The fact that he's just getting a test shouldn't make you feel uncomfortable. If he's telling people about it then it's probably just a routine test.
In fact, even if he did have HIV, it's highly unlikely that you're going to be sleeping with him or coming into contact with his blood. As long as his blood doesn't find its way inside you somehow, you're not going to get it.
It's backward and unfair to feel uncomfortable about someone for having a disease. Quitting your job just because a colleague may have an illness that doesn't even affect you seems like a rather extreme decision.
]
If it makes you that uncomfortable, you do what you have to do, but honestly, it in no way affects you. It isn't going to make him a grouchy co-worker or anything if he does have an STD.
--Jack
(18/m)
]
If your coworker does have anything of that nature, what does that have to do with work? your not asked to have intimate relations with him. Dont treat anyone different just because they have this, it wont hinder their ability to work!
]
If I were you I wouldn't quit. It just wouldn't be right. First of all, he is just getting test tons of people get tested. Second of all, what if he did hav HIV? It dosnt make him less of a human being and most certainly dosnt automatically make him a freak. I know you saw that you don't have anything against him and you simply feel uncomfortable. Well then keep the job in everyones life there are fears and obstacles we must over come this is one of yours. Be thankful you have a job I bet some jobless people would love to have your job. If you quit this job then the next job you get you will quit too all because you are going to let some tiny problems or circumstances get to you. Oh and if this helps get into your co-workers shoes for a second. I'm sure you wouldn't exactly love the idea of someone quiting there job because of you. Especially if it's only because you are getting an HIV/AIDS test. I hope I helped you out and you make what you think is the right descision
]
So you're thinking of quitting your job because someone is getting tested for HIV? I've been tested for HIV, several times in fact. I used to get tested between every partner, before I ended up in a long term relationship.
Going for testing means that he's sexually responsible. It doesn't mean that he's feeling symptoms, or that he has it.
As for if he is HIV+, personally, it wouldn't bother me. I've known a few people who have it, or other STDs. Chances are that you know a few people who have another STD. They're pretty common.
Let's say he does have it. Is it really fair to treat him like a diseased freak? He would already have enough to worry about, and there's a huge stigma attached to being HIV+. The best thing you could do would be to treat him like a regular person.
If it makes you that uncomfortable, though, you can leave, but make sure that you have another job lined up first. However, I wouldn't leave until I knew for sure if I were you. Chances are he just went in for an STD panel to make sure he was all clear before his next partner.
]
You are obviously correct in that body fluids are the only way to transmit HIV (blood, semen). Therefore, if the ceiling collapses at work and he is bleeding, you need to take precautions before helping him; primarily gloves.
You have no issues if you are sitting near him in a meeting, drinking from the same fountain, using the same toilet seat, etc. So there is reason to understand precautions, but no reason to be frightened or change jobs.
That being said, you have already made your decision. You have already said there is nothing that will make you relax about this. It is not fair to either you or your co-worker for you to feel this way. If you want to be more open-minded I suggest you do more research and possibly even attend some sort of support group regarding HIV. You could get to know people and talk to them specifically about this disease; how they got it, how it has affected them, etc because you may not be able to talk to your co-worker. If you are NOT willing to be open-minded, it would probably be a good idea to either look for a new job or ask to be transferred.
You asked "what would you do?" As you previously stated people with HIV don't typically wear a shirt advertising it but I have met several people in my life who have it; one was at a seminar like the one I was discussing. I shook the womans hand and thanked her for coming! The others were where I worked because they came in for medical attention. I didn't turn them away or avoid them!
What should YOU do? That is entirely up to you. If you will never be comfortable and never relax around this person... Well, there is an estimated 1.1 million people just in the U.S. with the disease. Just hope the next place you work doesn't have the same problem.
You have already met someone with the disease I am sure, and you likely have rubbed up against someone with the disease. The best suggestion I can offer you is get more educated on the topic and don't be afraid to talk to people about it such as medical professionals or at support groups or seminars.
]
More Questions: |