HIV can be a sexually transmitted infection, or can be transmitted through contact with a needle contaminated with HIV-infected blood. Often, there are no symptoms in the first stage of an HIV infection. An HIV test may use saliva or blood, and many tests can give rapid results.
The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, affects the immune system. When the immune system is damaged, it’s unable to protect the body from other types of infections. If HIV is untreated, it eventually progresses to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. This is a fatal condition.
HIV can be acquired in several different ways. It is a sexually transmitted infection, and can be acquired through any type of sexual activity. This includes not only vaginal intercourse, but also oral and anal sex. Using a condom during sexual activity helps to prevent HIV from being transmitted, because the virus is present in the sexual fluids. When the sexual fluids are blocked by the condom from touching the partner’s genitals, the virus cannot be transmitted. Keep in mind that if the condom breaks or leaks, then HIV may still be transmitted.
HIV is not always a sexually transmitted infection. It can also be transmitted through an injury with a contaminated needle. This may occur during injection drug use, if needles are shared with others. It may also occur in the workplace, with healthcare workers being at risk for acquiring HIV on the job.
When HIV is first acquired, there are often no symptoms at all. Some people may experience a flu-like illness, with symptoms such as fever and malaise (feeling generally tired). Many mistake this for a standard viral illness and have no idea that they have HIV. This is part of why it’s important to protect yourself during sexual activity, even if your sexual partners seem to be healthy and believe that they’re HIV-negative. They may have no idea that they’re infected.
The only way to know for certain whether you have HIV is to get an HIV test. There are several different types of HIV test available. Rapid tests look for antibodies against HIV, and can be done on oral fluid (a swab that you use to swipe the inside of your mouth) or on blood (a fingerprick provides enough blood). These tests can provide results within hours. If the test is positive, then another blood test will be done to confirm the result.
There are also tests that look for proteins from the virus itself. Combination tests look for these proteins and also antibodies. This type of HIV test is done on blood. It is more accurate, because it can detect the virus before there is an immune response by the body against the virus.
It’s recommended that anyone who is sexually active or has other risk factors (such as injection drug use) get an HIV test in Singapore at least once a year, and maybe more often. You should also get tested if you believe that you’ve been exposed; for example, if a sexual partner reveals that they are HIV-positive. To get an HIV test in Singapore, visit an STD clinic.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic. “STD symptoms: Common STDs and their symptoms.” Mayo Clinic. Published 18 Mar 2015. Accessed 03 Jul 2016. http://www.mayoclinic.org/std-symptoms/art-20047081
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 25 Feb 2014. Accessed 03 Jul 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/std/general/default.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Screening Recommendations Referenced in Treatment Guidelines and Original Recommendation Sources.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 4 Jun 2015. Accessed 03 Jul 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/screening-recommendations.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “HIV Basics – Testing.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 5 May 2016. Accessed 03 Jul 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
References
Sexually transmitted at Shim Clinic, Singapore