HIV is a life-threatening virus that can cause serious, long-term health problems if left untreated. Despite this, it often shows minimal to no symptoms until late stages of the infection, making it difficult to detect without screening.
In Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reports that the number of new HIV cases has remained consistent at 450 since 2008. This underscores the importance of HIV screening as an effective way to prevent the spread of HIV infection and protect public health. By undergoing regular HIV screening, people can identify if they are infected earlier and receive prompt treatment to reduce the risk of developing serious health problems down the line.
Getting tested for HIV is the only way for sure to know if you have acquired the infection. With early detection comes early treatment plans, proper care management and better outcomes. Many people who’ve tested positive in an HIV or any STD screening in Singapore go on to live long and healthy lives thanks to early detection and immediate access to right care and treatment.
There have been many misconceptions surrounding the HIV virus and how it is passed from one person to another. Contrary to what many may believe, HIV is not transmitted via saliva, sweat, tears, skin-to-skin contact, urine or feces. Activities such as holding hands, hugging, closed-mouth kissing, and sharing food, drinks or toilets, do not put you at risk of getting HIV.
HIV can be transmitted via blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk. It is commonly passed from one person to another through unprotected sexual intercourse and needle sharing with an HIV-positive individual. Mother-to-child transmission is also possible through pregnancy and breastfeeding, though the risk is reduced with regular HIV screening and treatments.
Below is a table illustrating the HIV risk percentage depending on the exposure type or activity:
There have been many misconceptions surrounding the HIV virus and how it is passed from one person to another. Contrary to what many may believe, HIV is not transmitted via saliva, sweat, tears, skin-to-skin contact, urine or feces. Activities such as holding hands, hugging, closed-mouth kissing, and sharing food, drinks or toilets, do not put you at risk of getting HIV.
HIV can be transmitted via blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk. It is commonly passed from one person to another through unprotected sexual intercourse and needle sharing with an HIV-positive individual. Mother-to-child transmission is also possible through pregnancy and breastfeeding, though the risk is reduced with regular HIV screening and treatments.
If your test result comes back as negative (and confirmed negative with further testing after the 3-month window), this indicates that you don’t have the virus. This doesn’t mean, however, that you are no longer at risk of acquiring it in the future. You can protect yourself and the people around you from HIV by:
- Practicing safe sex by using a condom every time you have intercourse
- Abstaining or refraining from casual sex or having multiple sex partners
- Informing your partner if you are HIV-positive, or knowing whether your partner is HIV-positive
- Regularly taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV
- Not sharing needles in any way
If your test result comes back as positive (and confirmed positive with a follow up test), this indicates that you have acquired the infection and require immediate treatment. Antiretroviral therapy, which involves taking medication similar to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medicine, is typically the first-line treatment to control HIV infection.
Atlas Pacific Medical provides all the above-mentioned tests. However, the clinic only runs the HIV PCR on Tuesdays at the lab so getting to us before that day would help speed up your test results. Our MOH-accredited clinic also offer screening and treatment options for a wide range of STDs. For more inquiries about our services, contact us.
Hiv Screening Singapore
Hiv Testing Singapore
HIV Test Singapore
HIV Check Up
CALL US ON +6563869098 (DURING OPENING HOURS)
SMS US ON 8419 1943 (AVAILABLE 24 HOURS)