There is a myriad of information about HIV spread across the worldwide web, but somehow a lot of people know the facts about this disease. Hence, some may be carriers of it without being aware. When you go for an HIV test in Singapore, you are not only looking after your own health, but also that of your partner and the people around you.
What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a type of virus that attacks the body’s immune system. The damage done by HIV to the immune system incapacitates its ability to protect the body against infection and disease. Currently, there is no cure to this disease although it can be managed by certain treatments to avoid exacerbation. HIV that is left untreated can develop to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which can be life-threatening.
How does one get HIV?
HIV is transmitted between people through specific fluids produced by the body, such as:
- Blood
- Breast milk
- Pre-seminal fluid
- Rectal fluids
- Semen
- Vaginal fluids
Transmission happens when the infected bodily fluids get into a person’s bloodstream through:
- A cuts, wound, or sores in the skin
- A mucous membrane located in the mouth, penis, rectum and vagina
- Direct injection
The most common way that HIV is passed from one person to another is through unprotected sexual intercourse. Aside from sexual intercourse, HIV can spread by sharing injections, needles, or other drug paraphernalia. Pregnant women who are diagnosed with HIV have a high risk of passing the virus to their child during the course of their pregnancy, giving birth, and breastfeeding.
Why should I go for HIV testing?
There are many good reasons to go for HIV testing:
- To know whether you have the virus or not
- To get treatment and be able to manage the condition from getting worse and be able to live longer and healthier
- To prevent passing the virus to the people around you
- To be informed about how to protect yourself from breakingtimes acquiring the virus and other diseases that can be spread through sexual intercourse
What are the symptoms of HIV?
HIV has many symptoms and their presence depends on the stage of infection.
The first stage of infection is called Acute HIV. During this stage, an individual that is infected by HIV experiences illness that can be likened to a flu. The body exhibits various symptoms that can last between two to four weeks:
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
- Stinging sores in the mouth
- Swelling in the lymph nodes located in the neck area
- Sore throat
- Weight loss
While the symptoms may be too mild for you or anyone to notice, this primary stage of infection is the most critical as the high amount of virus permeates easily in the body as it is being circulated through the bloodstream.
Following acute HIV is Chronic HIV, otherwise known as clinical latent infection. HIV signs or infections during this stage may not show, but this does not mean that the virus is no longer in the body. In fact, HIV has saturated the body and has reached the white blood cells, which fight infections and diseases. As its name suggests, Chronic HIV can last for several years.
Finally, when chronic HIV symptoms occur, this is a sign that the virus has evolved into a Symptomatic HIV Infection. Mild infections as well as symptoms that were present in the primary stage of infection return and affect the body for longer periods of time. As the virus continues to wreak havoc in the immune system, the body fails to develop cells that can thwart the infection. Aside from the symptoms mentioned earlier, the following may also be present:
- Fatigue
- Oral yeast infection (thrush)
- Pneumonia
- Shingles
HIV can progress into AIDS within the period of eight to ten years when no treatment is given.
How do I know if I should undergo HIV testing?
If you are experiencing symptoms and you suspect that you may have contracted HIV, you should immediately subject yourself to HIV testing.
In addition, HIV testing is not only for individuals who exhibit symptoms. HIV testing is recommended for individuals who are between the ages of 13 and 64 at least once when undergoing regular health screenings. People who are at great risk of acquiring the virus should get tested more often.
An individual may be at high risk of having the disease when:
- They have multiple sex partners
- They have had unprotected sex (anal or vaginal) with a partner without knowing their sexual history
- They have had sex (anal or vaginal) with a partner who has been diagnosed with HIV
- They have been injected with drugs using shared injections, needles, or syringes
What should I know before HIV testing in Singapore?
Many individuals, not only in Singapore, skip HIV testing because they do not want their personal information to be disclosed. It is good to know that now you can get tested for HIV anonymously. You can opt to go for regular HIV screenings or a Rapid HIV test.
Anonymous HIV testing in Singapore will not require an individual to present any form of identification that can tie them to their results. Instead, the test is assigned a specific number which the individual uses to claim the test results.
The results of anonymous HIV testing are highly confidential. Only you and your health care provider should see your actual test results. Test results that come back positive are reported to the Ministry of Health within 72 hours of diagnosis.
According to Singapore law, a person who is diagnosed with HIV is required to:
- Inform their partner about their diagnosis before engaging in sexual intercourse
- Recommend getting tested for HIV to their partner
- Advise their doctor or medical provider about their diagnosis prior to any invasive treatment or procedure
Where should I go for HIV testing in Singapore?
HIV testing in Singapore is available at public and private clinics and hospitals all over Singapore. One of the many providers of HIV testing is The Health Advisory Clinic which is located at One Raffles Place.
The Health Advisory Clinic
One Raffles Place, #04-49
1 Raffles Place, Singapore
048616
https://healthclinicgroup.com/
Tel: (+65) 6226 6442
Whatsapp: (+65) 9886 6442
