Explainer: What you need to know about HIV and AIDS

25th August 2021/0 Comments/in HIV & AIDS, HIV PEP, People Living with HIV, STD & HIV /by admin9638

What is HIV?

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks and damages the human immune system. When left untreated, HIV kills a type of immune cell called a T-Cell.

As the condition progresses more T-Cells get attacked. This makes the body become increasingly susceptible to a range of illnesses and cancers.

HIV is not airborne, neither does it spread through water or casual, physical contact. Instead, HIV is transmitted via the following bodily fluids:

● Semen
● Blood
● Vaginal secretions
● Rectal fluids
● Breast milk

The virus does its work by inserting itself into the DNA of cells. Therefore, there is no known drug capable of removing it from the body, even as medical science strives for a cure.

At the moment, a treatment called antiretroviral therapy makes it possible for a person with HIV to live with the virus for many years. Without such therapy, a person infected with HIV is likely to develop the condition known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS.

What is AIDS?

AIDS is when the immune system is weakened to the point where it is unable to properly and sufficiently counteract infections. If left untreated, people with end-stage AIDS have about 3 years to live. This is why antiretroviral therapy is important for people who have HIV, as it enables them to live as long as people who do not have HIV.

A person can also be diagnosed with AIDS if they have HIV and develop an opportunistic infection or cancer.

When AIDS develops, a person is seriously susceptible to illnesses like:

Tuberculosis
Cytomegalovirus
Toxoplasmosis
Cryptosporidiosis
Various cancers

These illnesses can become severe, and shorten the lifespan of a person.

How does HIV progress to AIDS?

While related, HIV and AIDS are different things. It takes a period of time for HIV to progress to AIDS, which means that when action is taken, there is a possibility of preventing HIV’s progress to AIDS.

HIV cases progress through 3 distinct stages:

First Stage: Acute stage – First few weeks after infection

Second Stage: Chronic Stage

Third Stage: Progress to AIDS

As HIV progresses, the CD4 cell count slowly goes down. While an uninfected adult’s CD4 cell count runs between 500 to 1500 per cubic millimeter, a person with AIDS has a CD4 cell count that is sub-200 count per cubic millimeter.

The speed of HIV progression from stage 2 to stage 3 depends on the person. Some people can stay in stage 2 for a decade without treatment. However, with treatment, they can stay in stage 2 indefinitely. As mentioned above, there is no cure for HIV. However, antiretroviral therapy can give a near-normal life expectancy.

Similarly, there is no way to cure AIDS. However, treatment that can increase the CD4 count above 200 per cubic millimeter of blood exists. This means that they can be considered to no longer have AIDS.

The facts of HIV transmission

No one is immune to HIV, and anyone can contract the virus. Here are some ways that HIV can be transmitted between people:

● Unprotected vaginal or anal sex — This is the most common route of transmission
● Sharing drug paraphernalia
● Unsterilized tattoo equipment
● Pregnancy, labor, or delivery from a pregnant person to their baby
● Breastfeeding
● Premastication – the act of chewing a baby’s food before feeding it to them

Very rarely, HIV is transmitted via blood transfusion or organ donation.

It is extremely rare for HIV to be transmitted through:

● Oral sex
● Being bitten by a person with HIV
● Contact between broken skin, wounds, or mucous membranes and the blood of someone living with HIV

HIV does NOT transmit through:

● Unbroken skin-to-skin contact
● Casual contact like shaking hands
● Air or water
● Sharing food or drinks, including drinking fountains
● Saliva, tears, or sweat (unless mixed with the blood of a person with HIV)
● Insect bites

It’s important to note that if a person living with HIV is being treated and has a persistently undetectable viral load, it’s virtually impossible to transmit the virus to another person.

Early symptoms of HIV

In the acute infection stage, there can be symptoms. At this stage, the virus is reproducing rapidly. The person’s immune system responds by producing HIV antibodies, which are proteins that take measures to respond against infection.

During this acute infection stage, some people have no symptoms, while others might have the following symptoms:

● fever
● chills
● swollen lymph nodes
● general aches and pains
● skin rash
● sore throat
● headache
● nausea
● upset stomach

These symptoms are similar to the common flu. This is why infected people might not think that they need to see a doctor.

During this acute infection stage, the HIV viral load in the person is high, and this means that the virus can be easily passed on to another person during this period.

The acute stage symptoms resolve themselves within a few months as the person enters the chronic stage of HIV, which can last for decades with the appropriate treatment.

How can we diagnose HIV?

There are a few tests that can be used to diagnose HIV.

Antibody/antigen tests

Antibody/antigen tests are the most commonly used tests. They can show positive results typically within 2 to 4 weeks after someone initially contracts HIV.

These tests check the blood for both HIV antibodies and antigens. An antibody is a type of protein the body makes to respond to an infection. An antigen, on the other hand, is the part of the virus that activates the immune system.

Antibody tests

These tests check the blood solely for HIV antibodies. 3 weeks to 3 months after transmission, most people will develop detectable HIV antibodies, which can be found in the blood or saliva.

These tests are done using blood tests or mouth swabs, and there’s no preparation necessary. Some tests provide results in 30 minutes or less and can be performed in a clinic.

If someone suspects they’ve been exposed to HIV but tested negative in a home test, they should repeat the test in 3 months. If they have a positive result, they should follow up with their doctor to confirm.

HIV Viral RNA PCR or Nucleic acid test (NAT) – HIV Test

Viral PCR or NATs are expensive, and used for those who have early symptoms of HIV or have a known risk factor. This test looks for copies of the virus itself.

It takes from 5 to 21 days for HIV to be detectable in the blood. This test is usually accompanied or confirmed by an antibody test.

If you have queries, or think that you need a HIV screening test, please reach out to any of our DTAP clinics for a confidential and professional diagnosis. Anonymous HIV testing and rapid HIV test is also available.

Treatment options for HIV

Treatment should begin as soon as possible after a diagnosis of HIV, regardless of viral load.

The main treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy: a cocktail of daily medications that stop the virus from reproducing. Antiretroviral therapy protects CD4 cells, keeping the immune system strong enough to respond to disease.

Antiretroviral therapy also prevents HIV from progressing to AIDS, and reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others.

When treatment is effective, the viral load will be “undetectable.” The person still has HIV, but the virus is not visible in viral PCR test results.

However, the virus is still in the body. And if that person stops taking antiretroviral therapy, the viral load will increase again, and the HIV can again start attacking CD4 cells.

Types of HIV medications

HIV medications work to prevent reproduction of HIV, stopping it from destroying CD4 cells.
These antiretroviral medications are grouped into six classes:

● nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
● non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)
● protease inhibitors
● fusion inhibitors
● CCR5 antagonists, also known as entry inhibitors
● integrase strand transfer inhibitors

HIV Medication Side Effects

Antiretroviral therapy side effects differ, but may include nausea, headache, and dizziness. These side effects are not permanent, and will often get better over time.
However, serious side effects can include swelling of the mouth and tongue, as well as liver or kidney damage. If you encounter these side effects, speak to your doctor about adjusting medications.

Preventing HIV

There is no cure for HIV, or AIDS. That is why It is important to know how to prevent the transmission of HIV.

Safer sex

HIV is most commonly transmitted via unprotected vaginal or anal sex. Short of abstinence, the only other way to prevent transmission is through protection via condom or another barrier method.

If you are concerned about HIV risks:

● Get tested for HIV.
● Always use condoms. Be sure to know how to use them correctly, as incorrect usage can expose you to HIV risks.
● Take medication as directed if you have HIV. This lowers the risk of transmitting the virus to your sexual partner.
● Take medication called PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). This can be prescribed by your doctor.

Other prevention methods

There are a few other things you can do to prevent transmission of HIV:

● Do not share needles or other drug paraphernalia. Needle sharing can spread HIV through blood contact.
● Consider PEP. If you know that you have been exposed to HIV, talk to your doctor about getting post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which can reduce your risk of contracting HIV. It consists of three antiretroviral medications given for 28 days. PEP should be started as soon as possible after exposure. – HIV PEP Singapore

Is there a vaccine for HIV?

Currently, there are no vaccines to prevent or treat HIV.

HIV mutates quickly, and can often fend off immune system responses. Only a small number of people with HIV develop broadly neutralizing antibodies.

The good news is that in 2016, the first HIV vaccine efficacy study in 7 years was done in South Africa. This experimental vaccine is an updated version of one used in a 2009 trial that took place in Thailand. A follow-up after vaccination showed that the vaccine was 31.2 percent effective in preventing HIV transmission.

The study involved 5,400 men and women from South Africa.

CD4 Count VS Viral Load – What do you need to know?

27th July 2020/in HIV & AIDS, People Living with HIV /by Miri Yeo

The Immune system is made up of a large network of cells that work together to combat infections. Helper T Lymphocytes are a particular type of immune cell that expresses a molecule called the Cluster Determinant 4 (CD4). Helper T lymphocytes are hence commonly known as CD4 cells. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) selectively targets CD 4 cells and uses them as hosts for viral replication. As the virus replicates, it destroys its host cell as it releases new copies of the virus. Therefore, as the viral load (which is a measure of the amount of virus present in the body) increases and the host CD 4 cells will decrease.

HIV Pro Viral DNA Test

HIV Infection

During the early stages of a HIV infection, viral replication occurs at a very fast rate at the expense of CD 4 host cells. A vicious cycle occurs, wherein an increase in HIV viral load attracts more CD4 cells which get infected and become hosts to further increase the viral load. Within the first few weeks of a HIV infection, the CD 4 count falls precipitously. Such a sharp fall in CD4 cells is the hallmark of a HIV infection.

Upon diagnosis of HIV, it is crucial that the patient’s CD 4 and viral load are measured. The CD 4 count allows the medical team to determine the state of the immune system and plan the appropriate treatment. If the CD 4 count is below 200 units, the diagnosis of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is established. AIDS is a serious complication of HIV infection and can be fatal, therefore, if the patient is diagnosed with AIDS he/she requires immediate medical attention in a hospital.The viral load will give an indication of how fast the virus is replicating. Current medication used to treat HIV infection targets different parts of viral replication and interfere in the process of new viruses being produced. Therefore, a fall in viral load after commencing medication is an indicator that the medication is working.

People Living With HIV

For People Living with HIV (PLHIV), the main goal of therapy is to increase CD4 cell numbers and decrease the viral load to an undetectable level. Monitoring these 2 parameters will guide the treatment regime. In general viral load is measured 2 weeks after starting medications for HIV, then at 4 to 8 week intervals. The expected fall in viral load should be to approximately < 500 copies/ml by week 8 – 16 and < 50 copies /ml by week 16- 24. CD 4 recovery is slower, the first CD4 test is done 3 months after commencing treatment and every 6 months after. In general, a CD 4 count > 300 cell/uL with a low viral load is a good level to ensure that PLHIV does not encounter any opportunistic infections.

Also read: U=U: Science, Not Stigma

CD 4 and Viral load measurements are essential parameters in guiding the medical therapy for PLHIV. Regular check of these parameters ensure that PLHIV are able to maintain an active lifestyle and avoid any infections that may occur due to a lowered immunity.

HIV Screening Singapore

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HIV Window Period – Timelines for Accurate HIV Testing

18th January 2019/in HIV & AIDS, STD & HIV /by Miri Yeo

When it comes to HIV testing, two of the most common questions we are asked online or in person are: “When can I test for HIV?” and “Are my results conclusive?”
There is a lot of confusing information out there, so this article will try to break down the timelines for accurate testing, and why this is the case.

These Questions Are Basically Asking – What is the HIV Window Period?

The HIV window period is the time between viral transmission to be able to get a conclusively accurate test result. This time period depends on the type of HIV testing performed – different tests have different window periods, with newer generation testing allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of HIV than what was available in the past.

As testing facilities vary from country to country, it is important to recognize local health authority guidelines and speak to the doctor if you have any uncertainties on your test.
If you are within 10 days from a possible HIV exposure, you are still in an eclipse period. This is the period of time where no current testing can detect the virus. HIV Testing in this time period will have no diagnostic utility.

However, if you are within 3 days (72 hours) from a potential HIV infection, please see your doctor or contact us immediately for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) can reduce risk of HIV infection or prevent HIV infection.

WhatsApp or SMS service (24/7) : +65 8728 7272

Also Read: When to get HIV Test after HIV PEP

So, What Types of HIV Tests are Available and How Do They Work?

For diagnostic purposes, most countries and guidelines now recommend first-line testing with the 4th Generation Antigen/Antibody test (also known as the Combo or Duo test). Other available testing includes 3rd Generation Antibody-only testing, HIV RNA/DNA PCR viral load and the HIV Pro-Viral DNA Test.
These tests are sometimes available as ‘point-of-care’ rapid tests, or alternatively can be performed in a laboratory with techniques such as ELISA or CMIA (don’t worry too much about the technicalities here). To understand the differences and rationale for each of these tests, we have to first understand what each of them is looking for.

The Core Structure of HIV is Made Up of a Protein (p24 Antigen)!

HIV is a type of retrovirus, and much of its core structure is made up of a protein known as p24 antigen – this is the type of antigen we look for with 4th generation HIV testing.
The p24 antigen usually becomes detectable from 10-14 days post-exposure, reaching a peak at around 3-4 weeks, and dropping to lower levels after 5-6 weeks once HIV antibodies start forming.
HIV antibodies are proteins formed by your own body in response to the virus and usually start forming as early as 14-17 days post-exposure, with 99.9% of patients having a detectable antibody response by 3 months.

Anonymous HIV Testing is only available in our Robertson Walk Branch.

The HIV Pro-Viral DNA Test

The HIV Pro-Viral DNA test can be used in specific situations where there are challenges to getting an accurate HIV diagnosis with other available HIV tests including HIV Antibody tests (3rd Generation HIV test), HIV Antibody and Antigen tests (4th Generation HIV test) as well as HIV RNA PCR test.

It is especially useful in the following situations:

Diagnosing HIV in newborns born to HIV +ve mothers
Elite controllers with undetectable HIV viral load despite not being on anti-retroviral treatment
Individual with sero-negative HIV infections i.e. People who get infected with HIV but do not develop anti-HIV antibodies : see FALSE NEGATIVE HIV ELISA TEST

It can be used for situations where the diagnosis of HIV is challenging, it has a lower false positive rate compared to the HIV RNA PCR test when used for diagnosis and it can be done 10 days post exposure.

HIV PCR RNA Test – 12 days or more post-exposure

As the HIV RNA PCR test is more sensitive, the window period is shorter and it can be used 12 days after exposure, as compared to 28 days for conventional Antibody/Antigen Testing.

HIV is a retrovirus. Retroviruses are a type of RNA virus that invades cells, in this case a kind of immune cells known as CD4 cells by injecting its genome directly into it. RNA is slightly different and less chemical complicated than DNA, hence the virus also has a special enzyme known as Reverse Transcriptase that will encode the HIV RNA into HIV DNA which is then merged with the host cell’s genome. Hence, if we can detect the presence of HIV RNA in the blood, we can be certain that there is HIV infection even without symptoms.

This is achieved through a technology known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In PCR, an automated device will process the patient’s sample with various chemicals. The polymerase enzyme and reaction will multiple any HIV RNA material into easily readable genetic information.

4th Generation HIV Test – 28 days or more post-exposure

The 4th generation Antigen/Antibody test has been shown to be conclusive from 28 days or more post-exposure. Remember, this test also checks for HIV antibody, so it will remain accurate for HIV diagnosis even after the p24 antigen levels drop, including years after initial infection.

3rd Generation HIV Test – 3 months or more post-exposure

The 3rd generation Antibody-only test is accepted as conclusive from 3 months or more post-exposure. If testing is done within these respective window periods, there is a chance of a false negative result.
For extremely rare cases where people do not mount an appropriate HIV-antibody response (known as seronegative infections), the 4th generation test will still be able to detect the p24 antigen, which is why it is considered the most accurate first-line test for HIV diagnosis.

You may also have heard of a test called the Western Blot; this is just another type of HIV antibody test that is usually used for confirmation testing, once a preliminary test has shown a positive result. As HIV is a serious and life-changing diagnosis, it’s important we get it right – most diagnostic algorithms require two separate tests showing a positive result before we confirm it to the patient. As the HIV window period may differ with these separate tests, it is important that your doctor chooses the right tests for you.

The last test type we’ll be looking at is the HIV RNA/DNA PCR test, also known as Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT). This test has significantly improved HIV screening, especially for people at high risk. This test directly measures the amount of virus in a person’s blood and can detect conclusively from as early as 12 days post-exposure. It is also used to monitor viral load in people with a known HIV infection. Although this test is able to pick up HIV infection at the earliest stage, it is not widely available due largely to costs and turnaround time in Singapore. There is a slightly higher risk of false positive results with the HIV RNA/DNA PCR test.

In Summary

In summary, here are the tests you can do at the appropriate time:
Day 1-3: Consider Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Day 1-9: Eclipse period (no HIV testing available)
Day 10: HIV Proviral DNA Test
Day 12 onwards: HIV RNA/DNA PCR testing (may have false positives)
Day 14 onwards: 4th Generation Combo testing can start to pick up the infection (may have a false negative)
Day 28 onwards: 4th Generation Combo testing is deemed conclusive
Day 90 onwards: 3rd Generation Ab-only testing is deemed conclusive
At the end of the day, it is important to speak to your doctor and inform them accurately about any potential exposure risks, so they can decide on which test is appropriate. And remember, 4th Generation Combo testing is the first line test recommended by most guidelines today. Ask for this test if you have any doubts!

Do come to see us for any further advice on HIV testing, window periods, or other STD Testing, STD Screening & Treatment and sexual health-related matters.

We accept both walk-ins and appointment for all our clinics, please call us or email us at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg.
Take Care!

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Do I Have HIV Rash? Or Are They From Other STD Related Rashes?

14th January 2019/in HIV & AIDS, STD & HIV /by Miri Yeo

Skin rashes and lesions are some of the most common signs and symptoms experienced in HIV infection. There is no single definitive HIV rash – individuals may have different types of rashes of varying severity, distribution, and appearance.
As there are many other conditions that can also cause skin rashes, including allergies, autoimmune conditions, and other infections, it is important to remember that there is no way to diagnose someone with HIV based solely on the presence of a rash. Conversely, there is also no way we can rule out HIV just because someone does not have a skin rash. The only way to know for sure is by doing an HIV test at the appropriate time.

Acute HIV Seroconversion HIV Rash

In the primary stage of HIV infection, viral replication progresses quickly and the viral load (VL) will be very high. Your body’s immune system will detect the virus and start producing HIV antibodies to try and fight off the virus – this process is called seroconversion. It is this activity of the immune system which can manifest in the typical symptoms of acute HIV infection, also known as Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS) – with fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes being the most common symptoms.
The seroconversion HIV rash usually develops around 2-6 weeks from exposure. It will appear as reddish macules (flat lesions) and papules (small swollen bumps) spread over a generalized region, typically over the chest, back, and abdomen, sometimes extending to the arms and legs as well. It can be very itchy for some people, but not always. Symptoms of itch can be reduced by antihistamines and topical creams.
These rashes may last a few weeks or months, but will eventually resolve by themselves, even if the HIV infection has not been diagnosed and treated. This happens as the HIV antibodies bring down the viral load and infected individuals enter the clinically latent stage (chronic HIV infection). Many people may have missed the diagnosis of HIV if they were told by a doctor their rash was due to some allergy or viral flu but did not get tested properly.

Other Infections

When a person contracts HIV, they are also at increased risk of other infections. Some of these are sexually transmitted and can be contacted at the same time as HIV (e.g. syphilis, herpes simplex virus, etc.), while some can occur later in the disease due to a weakened immune system (e.g. candida/thrush). These infections can also cause skin rashes or lesions to develop, so it is important to look out for any abnormal skin changes if you are concerned about any potential exposure risk, and also to inform your doctor of your concerns.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Treponema Pallidum and is commonly diagnosed together with new HIV infection as they share common risk factors. The primary stage of syphilis infection is a painless chancre or ulcer at the primary site of infection (usually genital, rectal, or oral), but it may go unnoticed by many people. The secondary stage of syphilis is a skin rash which can look very similar to acute HIV rash, with reddish papules around the trunk, arms and legs, and usually over the palms and soles as well – most of the time, this rash is not itchy or painful. Most people who present with a skin rash after potential exposure risk should be tested for both HIV and syphilis together.

Herpes Simplex Virus

Another sexually transmitted infection, herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause small crops of fluid-filled blisters that can start off looking like a reddish rash. They are usually slightly itchy or painful, and may then burst to form small ulcers which will then dry and crust over. Sometimes, the initial herpes outbreak may be preceded by some viral, flu-like symptoms including fever and swollen lymph nodes. There is no ‘cure’ for herpes, but usually, your immune system will help to control the infection and keep it dormant, although reactivation and clinical outbreaks can still occur (around 2-3x per year on average). Herpes can be contracted both together with acute HIV or can recur frequently in late-stage HIV – persistent or chronic HSV lesions in the setting of untreated or late-stage HIV is considered an AIDS-defining illness, as the immune system has been weakened by the HIV virus and can no longer keep the HSV infection suppressed.

Kaposi Sarcoma

Not quite a rash, but rather an abnormal growth of capillary blood vessel tissues, Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is actually a type of cancer that can be found in late-stage HIV.
It is caused by an infection with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) which is an opportunistic infection and is also considered an AIDS-defining illness as the transformation of the skin cells only occurs in the presence of a weakened immune system. KS appears as either a single or multiple reddish purplish bumps over the skin or mucous membranes.
They are usually painless and not itchy but can cause other symptoms if they grow on internal organs such as the gastrointestinal tract or the lungs (e.g. GI bleeding, shortness of breath, etc.).
Also, read the 10 Common HIV-Related Opportunistic Infections (IOs)

Candidiasis

Also known as thrush, candida is a very common fungal organism that is found in the environment and can be isolated from around 30-50% of healthy people. Most of the time, it does not cause any symptoms of infection; however, in people with a weakened immune system, there may be an invasive overgrowth of the organism which leads to symptoms. Common areas of candida infection are the nails, skin, mouth/tongue, and genital region. Depending on the region affected, symptoms may include an itchy rash, with scaly or flaking skin, sometimes with a soft whitish layer which can be scraped off.
These are just some of the different types of skin rashes and lesions that may be present in an HIV infection. There is no single type of HIV rash that we can consider to be diagnostic by itself. It is important to assess clinical features of the rash, timing, and potential exposure risk. At the end of the day, the only way to diagnose an HIV infection will be through appropriate HIV testing at any of our clinics.
Join the HIV discussion in our Forum with our Doctors. For HIV Testing, you can walk-in to any of our clinics, for an appointment you can email us at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg, or call any of our clinics.
Take Care. Be Safe!

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How Do I Get Tested For An Anonymous HIV Test In Singapore

4th January 2019/in HIV & AIDS, STD & HIV /by Miri Yeo

These 3 letters H, I, and V put together, or commonly known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, sets alarm bells ringing in most people’s minds. Often, the anxiety and concern that goes through one’s mind can often be allayed through a simple consult with our doctors to assess your risk and or a test to decide what to do next.
Still concerned? Read on to find out more and take the next step to schedule a consultation and Anonymous HIV Testing in Singapore with our doctors.

How is it Even Possible to Get HIV Tested Anonymously?

Yes it is that simple with our “3 step test” guide
Step 1:

Walk into our clinic at Robertson Walk.
Let our staff know you are here for the “AHT”.

Step 2:

Private consultation with the doctor.
The doctor will proceed with the “3 Step Test”.

Step 3:

After 20 minutes your results will be ready.
Reviewing of your HIV test result with our doctor.

Who Should Get HIV Tested?

If you have a concern for HIV transmission or even a sexual health concern, we advise you to see us get your queries addressed.
Where appropriate, we will support you with the HIV test.

How Is HIV Testing Done? I am Scared of Needles

A small finger prick is done, it will be slightly uncomfortable, and a few drops of blood are collected. No needles are involved.

How Long Do I Have to Wait for the HIV Test Results?

The results take 20 mins to be ready and your doctor will discuss the results with you

How Much Does the Anonymous HIV Test cost?

Rapid Fingerprick HIV (3^rdGen Test) – (90 days after exposure)
$54.00
Rapid Fingerprick HIV Combo Test (4^thGeneration) – (28 days after exposure)
$162.00
All results take 20 mins. Consultation charge is from $22.00

Anonymous HIV Testing in Singapore is only available in our Robertson Walk Branch.

Upholding Patient Confidentiality is our utmost priority. Therefore reports will NOT be snail mailed by post. Results can be communicated via phone or email.
During the private consultation, you can speak to our doctors about all of your HIV-related concerns. The doctor will then recommend the correct HIV Test or STD test.
Our registered doctors will administer the HIV and STD tests, which are approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA)

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What is HIV PrEP & Event-Driven Based HIV PrEP Strategy?

5th September 2018/in HIV & AIDS, HIV PrEP, STD & HIV /by Miri Yeo

What is HIV PrEP?

HIV PrEP is an option for HIV prevention and involves taking medication that can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 95% if taken properly.
Most of the time, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or HIV PrEP for short is taken as a daily tablet and needs to be taken consistently to provide the greatest level of protection.
HIV PrEP is recommended for at-risk groups, including men-who-have-sex-with-men, patients who have a known partner who is living with HIV (PLHIV), or those with multiple partners of unknown HIV status.

What is the difference between HIV PEP (HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis) & HIV PrEP?

HIV PrEP should not be mistaken for HIV PEP or HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis.

HIV PEP is for any individual who is at risk of HIV infection after an HIV exposed to HIV to take HIV medicines for a month to reduce his or her chances of HIV infection.

HIV Pre Exposure prophylaxis and HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis do not 100% reduce your chances of HIV infection, nor prevent you from being infected with other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) besides HIV.

HIV PEP as an HIV prevention strategy was first developed for healthcare workers, who are being exposed to contaminated blood or needles prick. It has since expanded to other HIV high-risk activities such as sexual exposure and intravenous drugs used.

Another development of HIV prevention is by using HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as a strategy to reduce the chances of HIV infection even before any potential HIV exposure.

What is Event Driven Based HIV PrEP Strategy?

Some people may find that taking a daily table is just not suitable for them.
If this is the case, they may consider an option called Event-Based Dosing, or EBD for short.
This entails taking tablets one day before the exposure, the days of exposure, and for one day after the last exposure.
It is a much shorter course of tablets than regular HIV PrEP, and can still provide a high level of protection from HIV, with up to 85% risk reduction.
HIV PrEP is most effective when used in combination with other protective strategies such as condoms and regular STD screening.

Descovy As New HIV Medication For HIV PrEP

Descovy (brand name) is a FDA approved new drug combination of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) + emtricitabine for use as HIV PrEP, which has shown to be equally effective in preventing HIV infection whilst touting an improved safety profile for renal and bone toxicity.

Descovy is currently available in all DTAP clinics in Singapore. It is a prescription only medication and must be prescribed by a doctor. Speak to our doctors for more information about Descovy and find out if a HIV-1 treatment that contains Descovy is right for you.

If you are interested in learning more about HIV PrEP or EBD, please come down to our any of our clinics to speak to our doctors, and see if these options are suitable for you. You can learn more about the What is HIV PrEP or HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
We can advise you in more detail on the indications, dosage and timing, and potential side effects of the medications, as well as how to follow up with appropriate HIV Testing and STD testing.
Take Care!

Other Reads:

Posts

What is HIV?

What is AIDS?

How does HIV progress to AIDS?

The facts of HIV transmission

Early symptoms of HIV

How can we diagnose HIV?

Treatment options for HIV

Types of HIV medications

HIV Medication Side Effects

Preventing HIV

Safer sex

Other prevention methods

Is there a vaccine for HIV?

HIV Infection

People Living With HIV

These Questions Are Basically Asking – What is the HIV Window Period?

So, What Types of HIV Tests are Available and How Do They Work?

The Core Structure of HIV is Made Up of a Protein (p24 Antigen)!

The HIV Pro-Viral DNA Test

HIV PCR RNA Test – 12 days or more post-exposure

4th Generation HIV Test – 28 days or more post-exposure

3rd Generation HIV Test – 3 months or more post-exposure

In Summary

An Overview on STD from an STD Doctor

Acute HIV Seroconversion HIV Rash

Other Infections

Syphilis

Herpes Simplex Virus

Kaposi Sarcoma

Candidiasis

Other Interesting Reads:

4 Things You Need to Know About Penile Health

Sexual Health Advice For Travellers

How is it Even Possible to Get HIV Tested Anonymously?

Who Should Get HIV Tested?

How Is HIV Testing Done? I am Scared of Needles

How Long Do I Have to Wait for the HIV Test Results?

How Much Does the Anonymous HIV Test cost?

An Overview on STD from an STD Doctor

What is HIV PrEP?

What is the difference between HIV PEP (HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis) & HIV PrEP?

What is Event Driven Based HIV PrEP Strategy?

Descovy As New HIV Medication For HIV PrEP

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