Information
All/Basic Knowledge/Cure/Discrimination/Progression/Risk Levels/Stereotype/Stigma/Transmission/Treatment/
What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus that can be contracted through sexual contact with someone who has HIV.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is caused by a virus known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV. This virus attacks the body’s immune (defence) system and over period of time destroys it. This leaves the body defenceless against infections by other germs and the growth of cancers.
Living with HIV/AIDS
In addition to drugs and other treatments which can treat, control or prevent opportunistic infections, progress has been made in producing effective drugs which combat HIV directly. These drugs, often known as “combination therapies” or “the cocktail,” slow down the effect of HIV on the immune system by interfering with the replication of HIV.
This form of therapy usually consists of a number of drugs taken on a strict timetable. Although these drugs are not easy to take and have side effects, when combination therapy is successful it can improve the health of people with HIV, sometimes causing remission of their symptoms in addition to reduced viral load (that is to say, reduced amount of HIV in their body), increased number of CD4 cells, and reduced likelihood of progressing to AIDS.
Combination therapy does not work in everyone. The length of time that the drugs are effective against the virus varies, and drug resistance can set in, making the drugs ineffective. Additionally, some people with HIV use complementary therapies such as acupuncture, vitamin supplementation, massage, etc. in addition to drug therapies to alleviate side effects, reduce stress and improve immune function. Once thought to be an invariably fatal illness, we can no longer say that every person with HIV will become ill or die of AIDS. However, there still is no cure for HIV infection or AIDS.
If I get HIV does it mean I will get AIDS?
HIV infection occurs after the virus enters and establishes infection in the body. In the early stages people look and feel totally well. Even at this stage it is possible to diagnose HIV infection through a blood test. Only when the immune system becomes seriously damaged do persons begin to fall ill. The term AIDS is reserved for this late stage of infections.
Not everybody who is infected with HIV will develop AIDS at the same time. About 30% of clients develop AIDS 5 years after they are infected, and 50% will develop AIDS within 8 to 10 years. Others may be well for longer periods of time. The percentage of the clients who shows symptoms of AIDS in those time period are usually the ones who are not on HIV medical treatments.
Since there is no cure, the only way to beat AIDS is to not let virus into your body.
How is HIV spread?
There are 3 ways HIV can spread from one person to another.
- Through semen, vaginal fluids or blood during unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person
- Sharing needles and syringes for intravenous drug use with an infected person
- From infected mother to baby during pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding
How can I be infected by HIV?
HIV is a fragile virus that cannot survive outside of the body. That is why you cannot be infected with HIV from toilet seats or from sharing dishes or utensils. HIV does not get passed through the air – as a cold or flu does.
HIV infected body fluids must reach the HIV-susceptible cells in the blood, usually through a break in the skin, absorption through mucosal membranes (mucosa) or through some disruption to the mucosa. Mucosa are the moist surfaces of the body which line most of the body cavities and hollow internal organs such as the vagina, rectum, mouth, urethra, nose and eyelids.
HIV does not get passed from one person to another through deep kissing, mutual masturbation or inserting fingers into the vagina or anus (“ass,” “bum” or “butt”). You cannot get HIV from body fluids such as saliva (spit), sweat or urine (pee).
There are five body fluids which have enough HIV in them to infect someone:
- Blood
- semen (cum)
- vaginal fluids (including menstrual fluids)
- rectal fluids
- breast milk
Does everyone who comes into contact with HIV get infected?
While there is a HIGH risk of being infected through unprotected sex with an HIV-positive person, such contact does not always lead to HIV transmission.
The risk increases greatly for the partner who is penetrated (women rather than men, in the case of vaginal sex);
- in the presence of other sexually transmitted infections (STI) such as gonorrhoea, herpes and syphilis; and
- when the HIV-positive person is in the very early and very late stages of HIV infection.
Anal intercourse without condoms carries the highest risk of any sexual activity. Precautions, such as using condoms, should be taken with ALL partners unless it is certain both partners are HIV-negative and are completely faithful to each other by ongoing dialog about each other’s sexual health.
The risk of catching HIV from sharing contaminated needles or syringes is extremely high (around 80%), while the chance of a pregnant mother infecting her baby is between 15 to 30%.
Can I get HIV through casual contact?
No.
Casual social contact with persons infected with HIV or AIDS does not place others at risk.
It has been conclusively shown that HIV cannot be spread by:
- Visiting a health club
- Sneezing
- Mosquitoes
- Touching
- Hugging
- Spitting
- Toilets
- Bathrooms
- Sinks
- Shaking hands
- Working out at a gym
- Other biting insects
- Sharing of food
- Through eating utensils
Don’t be afraid! There is no need to discriminate or stigmatise. Just be safe!
Who are at risk of getting infected?
According to the latest stats from MOH, of the 151 cases reported in 2024, 96% of cases acquired the infection through the sexual route, with heterosexual transmission accounting for 38.4% of infections, homosexual transmission 50.3% and bisexual transmission 7.3%. Intravenous drug use (1 case) accounted for less than 1% of infections.
It isn’t who you are or what you do that puts you at risk. It is how you do it. Take precautions no matter what kind of sex you are into.
Can I catch HIV from blood transfusion?
Since 1985 all donated blood in Singapore is tested for HIV and all contaminated specimens are destroyed. In addition, all persons engaging in high risk activities are advised not to donate blood. Therefore, the blood supply in Singapore is almost totally safe.
There is absolutely no risk of catching HIV when donating blood because all equipment used (needles, syringes, tubing and containers) is sterile, used only once and thrown away.
Transfusion is the last of your worries! Instead start by taking precautions during sex each and every time.
Is there a cure for HIV / AIDS?
While there is no cure for HIV infection and AIDS at this moment, there are medicines that can treat and manage the infections and cancers which occur in AIDS. Drugs which attack the HIV virus are also available. Advancements in treatment means that lifespan and quality of life of persons living with HIV has dramatically improved and is on par with that of a person without HIV.
Research into vaccines may one day yield an effective medical prevention, but until that time the only effective preventions is not to allow the virus to enter your body.
What can I do to fight HIV in Singapore?
Take personal action to prevent getting infected. Stay well-informed of the facts and pass on the information to your family, friends and loved ones; dispel myths and correct misconceptions you may hear about HIV infection. Don’t let others pressure you into discriminating or stigmatising persons who have lifestyles different from your own or have HIV infection. If someone you know has HIV infection, show your love and support instead. Arrange for AIDS Awareness events in your workplace, school, club or home. If you think you may have put yourself at risk of HIV infection contact the HIV/AIDS Help lines for information or to arrange for an appointment, alternatively you can contact your own doctor.
Prevention
Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a combination of anti-HIV medication that can prevent you from becoming HIV positive if you think you were exposed to the the virus.
It must be started within:
- 72 hours.
- It can reduce your chances of becoming HIV+ by up to 80%
- Must be taken for 28 days.
Important:
If you or your friend end up in a situation where there is an exposure to HIV and no one is on PrEP, here is what to do:
- Drop by DSC Clinic at 31 Kelantan Lane first thing in the morning.
- If it’s the weekend, go to the emergency department of any hospital and request for PEP, and follow the instructions from the doctor on duty.
- PEP costs $500 to $1200 depending on the course of medication required.
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is the use of anti-HIV medications to prevent HIV negative people from acquiring HIV.
It has been shown to be safe and effective at preventing HIV infection when taken correctly. You MUST consult a doctor before starting PrEP.
It is NOT:
- A magic pill that prevents you from other sexually transmitted infections.
- A morning after pill, and requires you to follow a strict timetable.
Important:
- If you, your sex partner or your friend often finds himself in a situation where he forgets to use a condom, don’t have a condom on him all the time, prefers to not use a condom or wants additional protection on top of condom use, why not talk to him about PrEP?
Treatment as Prevention (TasP)
Evidence has now shown that individuals on effective antiretroviral treatment (ART) with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to others. (U=U)
- WHO guidelines now call for ‘test and treat’ strategies – initiating all people diagnosed with HIV on ART as soon as possible after diagnosis – as a way to decrease community viral load and reduce the rate of new HIV infections.
- Treatment as prevention (TasP) will only be effective alongside the scale up of testing programmes and ART adherence support.
Important:
- Treatment as prevention (TasP) refers to HIV prevention methods and programmes that use antiretroviral treatment (ART) to decrease the risk of HIV transmission.
- The effectiveness of ART as a prevention tool is now undisputed – and it is now being used as a public health intervention, as well as a patient-specific strategy.
- If you think you might be living with HIV, come and speak to us or your doctors on how best to start treatment as soon as you can. With modern medication, you can live a full life today.
- If you would like to speak to someone living with HIV, drop us a message.
For more information about living with HIV, click this link.
Condoms
A tale as old as time, condoms are the easiest way to prevent HIV transmissions when worn correctly.
Unfortunately condoms can be costly when you need them, that’s why we have free condoms!
Safer sex
Non-penetrative sex
Caressing, massaging, body stroking, bathing together, sharing fantasies and telephone sex carry no risk whatsoever of transmitting HIV.
Masturbation
Masturbating yourself is completely safe. Mutual masturbation with a partner is safe as long as semen, vaginal fluids or blood do not enter cuts, sores and rashes on the skin. Use latex surgical gloves if you have cuts.
Kissing
Dry or light kissing in which there is no exchange of saliva is totally safe. Deep kissing and contact with cuts and sores or bleeding gums in the mouth may carry a small risk.
Vaginal, anal and oral sex using a condom
The virus cannot pass through an unbroken latex condom worn correctly. Be sure the male partner puts it on all the way to the end.
Important!
Use water based lubricants like with a latex condom. Any type of oil or grease (like oils, creams and lotions) will cause the condom to weaken and break. Only use condoms of reliable brands which are not past their expiry date. Call the AFA hotline if you have any how-to-do questions. No question is too small or personal, we can direct you to the relevant experts.
Testing
One way to prevent HIV is to get tested. Once you know your status, you can then take an informed step forward in your sex life.
STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)
Information
What is an STI?
STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infections.
They are diseases that are primarily spread through sexual activity. They can result from bacteria, viruses, or parasites transmitted via blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or other bodily fluids. Many STIs do not produce noticeable symptoms, meaning individuals can become infected or pass the infection to others without realizing it.
Is HIV an STI?
Well technically yes. HIV is one of many STIs that exist. This section will talk about the other STIs that are commonly seen in the community: syphilis, chlamydia, gonnorhoea.
If I get an STI does it mean I will die?
Not immediately. All STIs are treatable, some are curable while some are manageable.
If you suspect you have an STI, go get tested either at our ATS clinic or elsewhere. Everyone reacts to the virus differently – Those who experience symptoms are uncomfortable enough to warrent treatment. Those who experience no symptoms (asymptomatic) can discover these infections through testing.
If these STIs are left untreated, many health complications will arise. Treatment for these STIs cost as low as SGD $10, so there is really no reason to not go for treatment.
How are STIs spread?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can spread through several means, including:
- Engaging in unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
- Direct skin-to-skin contact with someone carrying the infection.
- Exchange of saliva during kissing.
- Using contaminated needles or sharp instruments for injections, tattoos, or acupuncture.
- Receiving infected blood, blood products, or organ transplants.
Is there a cure for all these STIs?
Bacterial STIs such as syphilis, chlamydia and gonnorhoea are curable. They can usually be cured when detected and treated promptly, particularly if the bacteria have not developed resistance to antibiotics. Timely treatment helps prevent spreading the infection to others and lowers the chances of complications.
Viral STIs such as herpes and HIV cannot be completely cured but can be effectively controlled with proper medical treatment.
What about Mpox?
Previously known as monkeypox, mpox is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus. Back in 2022, various outbreaks began from large gay parties or raves in Europe and have spread across over forty countries, including Singapore.
Important:
The latest confirmed cases of Mpox was in 2024. Mpox vaccines are currently unavailable for the general public.
Prevention
DoxyPEP (Doxycycline)
STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Safer sex
Condoms
Condoms