Question 1

What Is HIV?

Accepted Answer

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that damages the body’s immune system, rendering the body too weak to fight off infections and diseases effectively. If left untreated, HIV progresses into an advanced stage called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), whereby the immune system is severely compromised. AIDS is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition, so prevention in the form of HIV screenings and treatment is key.
Currently, there is no cure for HIV, but treatments such as antiretroviral therapy can alleviate symptoms and keep the virus under control, allowing patients to lead normal, healthier and longer lives. HIV screening in Singapore aims to catch the virus as early as possible and prevent it from developing into AIDS.

Question 2

What Causes HIV?

Accepted Answer

HIV is caused by a virus that can be transmitted through contact with the bodily fluid of an infected individual, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, anal mucus and breastmilk. Activities that can spread HIV include:

Having unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive individual
Sharing needles and syringes with an HIV-positive individual
Mother-to-infant transmission via pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding
Blood transfusions using blood from someone with HIV

.
HIV, however, is not transmitted through saliva, urine or sweat. You cannot get HIV by holding hands, sharing eating and drinking utensils, sharing toilet seats, from mosquitoes and other insects, and through the air or water.
We believe in universal HIV screening, with various testing tools available to cater for a wide range of patients. All tests are conducted accordingly to the latest published guidelines.

Question 3

What are the Symptoms of HIV?

Accepted Answer

A HIV infection does not always present symptoms. If a person does develop symptoms for HIV, it most often appears between 3 to 6 weeks after infections.
People who have contracted HIV will present flu-like symptoms 2 to 4 weeks after infection. These symptoms include

Fever and chills
Night sweats
Rashes
Sore throat
Muscle and joint pain
Fatigue
Mouth ulcers
Swollen lymph nodes

Ultimately, the only way to confirm whether you have HIV is to undergo HIV screening in Singapore, especially if you are at higher risk of potentially getting it.
Because symptoms are unreliable and often do not develop in many patients, the most reliable way to determine if a person has been infected with HIV is still via screening tests.

Question 4

How Do HIV Tests in Singapore Work?

Accepted Answer

HIV tests work by detecting antibodies, p24 antigens, or the presence of HIV in the blood. Generally, these factors are only detectable within a specified time frame depending on the type of test performed. This is why doctors recommend taking multiple tests during the appropriate window period in order to ensure accurate results.
There are three main types of HIV tests in Singapore:

HIV Antibody Test (ELISA test) – This test offers conclusive results at >90% accuracy when performed 1 month after exposure. A confirmatory test is usually then performed 3 months later for more accurate results, with a specificity of >99%. This involves a blood test which is used to detect the presence of HIV antibodies. Antibodies are produced as the immune system’s response to HIV infection.
HIV 4th Generation Test (HIV Combo) – This test can also provide conclusive results and can be administered as early as 28 days after exposure. This blood test detects both the presence of HIV antibodies and p24 antigens, which are proteins from the virus itself.
HIV RNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test – This test looks directly for HIV RNA or DNA in the blood and can be performed as soon as around 9 to 11 days after exposure. This is usually recommended for patients who have had a recent high-risk exposure or as a confirmatory test for other HIV tests.

Question 5

When Should You Get Tested for HIV?

Accepted Answer

Typically, HIV infections can present symptoms in 2-4 weeks after exposure. However, there are cases where it presents little to no symptoms, especially in the early weeks following infection. Therefore, HIV screening in Singapore is crucial to determine whether or not an HIV infection is present.
There are several tests performed to detect HIV, such as the HIV RNA PCR test and the HIV Combo test. These tests can be done by collecting blood or saliva samples from the patient. While rapid HIV tests can deliver faster results, doctors generally recommend taking lab-based screenings for greater accuracy.
The type of test done is determined by the time from when a person could have been infected with HIV. If the potential HIV infection was:

< 3 days ago – do not think about testing. Instead, talk to our doctor about HIV post0exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce the risk of infection following a possible exposure.
10 to 28 days ago – the HIV RNA PCR test is recommended as a conclusive test. Blood is drawn from the arm and sent to the lab. It may take several days to get results.
28 to 90 days ago – the HIV 4th Generation (aka HIV Combo) Test is recommended as a conclusive test. This is done in the HIV clinic via a fingerprick. It takes several minutes to get results.
> 90 days ago – the HIV 3rd Generation Test is recommended as a conclusive test. This is done in the HIV screening clinic via a fingerprick. It takes several minutes to get results.

Question 6

What is the HIV window period?

Accepted Answer

The HIV window period is the interval between potential exposure to HIV and the point at which the infection can reliably be detected through testing. The duration of this window period can vary depending on the type of HIV test administered. Typically, window periods range from 1-3 months.

Question 7

Where can I get tested for HIV in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

You can get tested at most hospitals, polyclinics and private clinics. Dr Tan Medical Center is one of the places where you can get tested for HIV. Our private clinic offers a range of HIV screening tests that are accurate and reliable. You will also be able to consult with our experienced doctor for an in-depth discussion of your symptoms and results within a short period of time.

Question 8

What happens if you test HIV positive in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

People who test positive for HIV in Singapore will have to adhere to certain guidelines as outlined in the Infectious Diseases Act (IDA). For example, they may be asked to attend counselling sessions.
They are required to disclose their status to sexual partners, who must then give informed consent acknowledging the associated risks before engaging in sexual activities with them. They are also prohibited from donating blood.
Foreign nationals seeking employment in Singapore are required to undergo HIV testing, and those who test positive will be deemed ineligible for employment.

Question 9

What should I do if I test positive for HIV?

Accepted Answer

The first step after receiving a positive HIV test result is to seek medical care from a healthcare provider specializing in HIV/AIDS. They will conduct confirmatory tests to verify the diagnosis. If the diagnosis is already confirmed, healthcare providers will then proceed to discuss treatment options, which may include starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). You should also inform your sexual partner(s) to encourage them to get tested.

Question 10

Are there any side effects of HIV treatments?

Accepted Answer

Patients undergoing HIV treatments may experience various side effects that range from mild to severe. Common side effects include anaemia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, skin rashes, and sleep disturbances. These side effects often manifest at the onset of the treatment but typically subside as the body adapts to the medication.
However, you should continue to monitor and report any persistent or severe side effects to your doctor. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your response to the treatment and address any concerns promptly.

Question 11

What are the Treatments for HIV?

Accepted Answer

Getting infected with HIV is no longer a death sentence, with many people living with HIV leading healthy, productive and meaningful lives.
HIV is now a chronic disease that can be well managed with medication not much different from diabetes or high blood pressure.
The infection can be brought under good control with medication. Getting the infection under control also eliminates the risk of passing the HIV on to another person.
People living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load have the same life expectancy as someone without HIV.
The cost of managing HIV has also reduced significantly. Anti-retroviral medications used to treat HIV are now much more affordable.
Even though a person living with HIV may feel completely well for years, it is recommended to start HIV treatment in Singapore as soon as possible. This is because even though it may not cause any symptoms in the first few years, an HIV infection causes chronic inflammation in the body and can cause health problems later in life.
Rest assured that Dr Tan will take you step by step through the HIV treatment process.

HIV Screening Treatment

HIV Screening in Singapore

What Is HIV?

What Causes HIV?

What are the Symptoms of HIV?

What are the Treatments for HIV?