HIV & AIDS

What Is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV weakens the body’s immune system, making infected persons more susceptible to common diseases and infections. HIV also increases the risk of certain cancers.

What is AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) arises during the end stage of HIV infection. Persons afflicted with AIDS often pass away between one and a half to three years after developing AIDS.

HIV Causes

How is HIV spread?

The majority of people get the HIV virus through having unprotected sex with an individual who has HIV. ​

HIV can also spread through:

 The sharing of injection needles, tattoo or acupuncture tools that have been tainted with HIV
 An HIV-infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, at birth, or through breastfeeding
 HIV-tainted blood and blood products (e.g. plasma, organs).

HIV cannot spread through:

Hugging

Touching

Contact with everyday objects (MRT seats, public toilets. etc.) 

transmitted through mosquito bites

HIV Symptoms

In most cases, HIV symptoms are not identifiable. You cannot tell if a person has HIV based on appearance. If you suspect you have contracted HIV, it is best go to a clinic for a HIV screening.

Do I Have HIV? Should I Get Tested?
You should get screened for HIV once every 6 months if you:

 Have started a sexual relationship with someone new.
 Have had sexual interaction with someone suspected of HIV.
 Have had casual sex with multiple partners, sex workers, strangers, or casual friends.
 Have shared needles (blood, drugs, etc.) with unlicensed sources.
 Have had tattoos or body piercings done at a location with poor hygiene.

HIV & AIDS Side Effects

What happens if I don’t get treated for HIV?

HIV destroys white blood cells, weakening the body’s immune system. As a result, the body is not able to fight against bacterial and viral attacks. For a person with HIV, common diseases such as flu are more likely to result in complications. Furthermore, HIV is suspected to increase the risk of getting certain cancers.

In its later stages, HIV causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It may take as long as 10 years for AIDS to develop. However, AIDS is often fatal. Left untreated, HIV infected persons usually die from infections and cancers 1.5 – 3 years after developing AIDS.

Timely assessment and diagnosis is crucial. Treatments such as antiretroviral therapy can help to minimize HIV virus reproduction and delay the onset of AIDS.

HIV Screening & Testing

There is a window period between HIV infection and the time which it is detectable through a HIV test. Most people have window periods of 1-3 months. However, window periods may be 6 months or more in some cases.

HIV may be detectable as soon as 1 month after infection. However, patients need to get tested again after 6 months to confirm the results.

STD Screening Packages

• HIV, Syphilis Screening Package – $25
• Herpes Screening Package – $60
• Gonorrhea, Chlamydia Screening Package – $90

*Normal consultation charges ($25-$30) apply
*Prices are for indicated services only, additional tests and medication are chargeable separately