HIV has no obvious telltale signs, and the only way to find out if you have HIV is to get tested. The HIV test detects the presence of HIV antibodies, which are produced by the body in response to a HIV infection.
Most people will develop HIV antibodies within one to three months of infection. However, depending on the individual, it can take anywhere between one to six months for the body to produce enough HIV antibodies to be detected by a HIV test. If you suspect that you may have been exposed to HIV, get yourself tested at least one month after the possible exposure. You should also take extra precaution by abstaining from sex until you get tested.
It’s important to get tested at least once every six months if you or your partner has engaged in high-risk sexual behaviour, such as:
- Having sexual intercourse with sex workers, strangers or casual friends
- Having multiple sex partners
- Having unprotected sex with someone who is known or suspected to be infected with HIV
You should also get screened for HIV if you:
- Are starting a sexual relationship with someone new
- Are unsure of your partner’s sexual history
- Have ever received blood or blood products from an unscreened source
- Are pregnant
- Have ever gone for body piercing or tattooing at unlicensed operators who do not practise good hygiene standards
- Share sex toys with your partner
You can get tested at polyclinics, private clinics and hospitals. In addition, there are
ten anonymous HIV test sites in Singapore, where personal particulars are not required when signing up for a HIV test, offering you complete privacy and confidentiality.
Rapid HIV test kits are used in anonymous HIV testing, and results can be available within 20 minutes.
If you test positive for HIV, you should start HIV treatment as soon as possible. Although there is no cure for HIV yet, antiretroviral therapy can help slow the progression of HIV and protect your immune system, allowing you to live an active and productive life. You can also find a local HIV support group and talk to others living with HIV.
In Singapore, persons with HIV are required by law to reveal their health status to their sex partner before sexual activities, and to medical and dental personnel before any invasive procedures.
Remember: Early detection helps control the spread of HIV and allows infected individuals to seek early treatment.