While the new antiretroviral drug regimes have brought better health for some, and the possibility of returning to work, they have also brought new workplace hazards. People taking these drugs must adhere to strictly regimented dosage schedules and they often suffer side effects. This can lead to de facto disclosure of HIV status. In addition, employers or co-workers may not accommodate the needs associated with these regimes. These included refusing to provide care, avoiding or neglecting patients, and making prejudicial remarks.
Breaches of confidentiality remain frequent.
But income support and drug coverage is another matter. The definition used to determine eligibility for benefits under public and private insurance plans has historically been based on a pattern of long-term, permanent disability. Such definitions are not appropriate to the cyclical and episodic nature of HIV disease. People with HIV may experience periods of relatively good health that are interrupted by periods of severe illness. Although combinations of drugs including protease inhibitors have dramatically improved the health status of many people with HIV, they have made problems of definition of disability even more acute.