HIV: Symptoms, Testing, Treatment & Prevention

Sexual health is an important aspect of overall wellbeing, and understanding your HIV status is a responsible step in caring for yourself and your partner.

Perhaps you're in a new relationship and want to ensure you're both starting on the right foot. Or maybe you've had a moment that's left you feeling uncertain, and you'd like some reassurance. You might simply be taking charge of your health with routine check-ups. Whatever brings you here, your feelings are valid, and taking this step shows real care for yourself and those close to you.

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that affects your immune system, which is your body's natural defence against illness. It targets CD4 cells, which are white blood cells that help protect you from infections. Without treatment, HIV can gradually weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. Over time, untreated HIV may progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Medical advances have transformed HIV care. Today, HIV is considered a manageable chronic condition, much like diabetes or high blood pressure. Early detection through testing means you can begin treatment sooner, which leads to better health outcomes and a stronger immune system. Whilst there is currently no cure for HIV, people living with the virus who receive proper medical care and treatment can enjoy full, healthy, and meaningful lives.

How does HIV spread? 

HIV spreads through certain body fluids, which is why understanding how transmission happens can help you feel more informed and less anxious.

HIV can be transmitted through:

• Unprotected intercourse with someone who has HIV

• Sharing needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment

• From mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (though preventive treatment can significantly reduce this risk)

• Blood transfusions with infected blood (this is extremely rare in countries with rigorous blood screening, including Singapore)

Therefore, HIV does not spread through everyday contact such as:

• Hugging, kissing, or touching

• Sharing food, drinks, or utensils

• Using the same toilet or swimming pool

• Mosquito or insect bites

• Saliva, tears, or sweat

Understanding these facts means you can interact with loved ones, colleagues, or anyone living with HIV without fear, and you can focus on the relationships that matter rather than unnecessary worry.

What are the possible signs of HIV?

HIV symptoms can vary from person to person, and many people may not experience noticeable symptoms for years. This is why testing is the only reliable way to know your HIV status. Some people experience flu-like symptoms during the initial stage, which may include:

• Fever and chills

• Fatigue

• Sore throat

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Rash

• Muscle aches

• Night sweats

These symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks, and the virus enters a longer phase where you may feel well.

If HIV remains untreated for several years, symptoms may include persistent infections, significant weight loss, and other health complications as the immune system weakens.

Getting tested for HIV

When to test 

Taking an HIV test is a responsible step towards understanding your sexual health status. Whether you're testing as part of your regular health routine or after a situation that's left you wondering, knowing your status can bring clarity and help you feel more at ease. Testing is private, simple, and more accessible than you might think.

You might want to consider an HIV test if you:

• Have had unprotected intercourse with a new partner or multiple partners

• Are beginning a new relationship and want to know where you both stand

• Have shared needles or injecting equipment

• Are pregnant or hoping to conceive

• Have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection (STIs)

• Simply want reassurance as part of looking after yourself

Types of test

• Antibody tests:

  • Look for HIV antibodies in your blood or oral fluid

  • Can detect HIV within 23 to 90 days after exposure

  • Blood tests from a vein typically detect HIV sooner than finger-prick or oral fluid tests

• Antigen/antibody tests:

  • Detect both HIV antibodies and antigens (part of the virus itself)

  • Can identify HIV 18 to 45 days after exposure

  • Commonly performed using blood from a vein

• Nucleic acid tests (NAT):

  • Look for the actual virus in your blood

  • Can detect HIV earliest, typically 10 to 33 days after exposure

  • Usually recommended after recent high-risk exposure or if you're showing early symptoms

HIV testing is a courageous step towards caring for yourself, and our sexual health specialists at Thomson Medical are here to support you through it. Request an appointment with us for personalised care and support.

What to expect during testing?

If you've never had an HIV test before, it's completely natural to feel a bit uncertain about what will happen. The testing process is designed to be comfortable and confidential:

• Brief consultation: 

  • A healthcare professional will discuss your medical history and any potential risk factors privately

• Sample collection: 

  • Depending on the test type, a small blood sample is taken from your finger or arm, or an oral fluid sample is collected with a swab

• Results: 

  • Typically available within a few days to two weeks. Some rapid tests provide results in as little as 20 minutes

Remember, no matter the result, your privacy is protected throughout the entire process.

What your HIV results mean?

Waiting for test results can feel nerve-wracking, so it helps to know what each type of result actually means. Whatever the outcome, there's always support available to guide you through your next steps.

• Negative result:

  • No HIV antibodies or antigens were detected. If you've recently been exposed, you may need to retest after the window period to confirm your status.

• Positive result:

  • HIV antibodies or antigens were found. Additional confirmatory testing will be done to ensure accuracy. Remember, with early detection and modern treatment, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives.

• Inconclusive result:

  • Occasionally results may be inconclusive, which doesn't necessarily mean you have HIV, as it may simply require follow-up testing.

Treatment options for HIV

If you've just been diagnosed with HIV, we understand that you might be feeling overwhelmed or scared. Whilst there's currently no definitive cure for HIV, the condition can be managed very effectively with the right medication and care. Here's how treatment works to support you: 

Antiretroviral therapy (ART)

Antiretroviral therapy, or ART, is the cornerstone of HIV treatment. This involves taking a combination of medications that work together to stop the virus from multiplying in your body. Here’s how ART works: 

• These medicines prevent HIV from making copies of itself

• They help protect your immune system and keep you healthy

• When taken consistently, they can reduce the virus to undetectable levels in your blood

• Undetectable viral levels mean you cannot transmit HIV to sexual partners (known as U=U: Undetectable equals Untransmittable)

Besides, common ART regimens include:

• Combination tablets that contain multiple medications in one pill

• Most people take just one or two tablets once a day

• Your healthcare team will recommend the best combination for your individual needs

Starting treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis gives you the best chance of staying healthy. Many people find that once they've settled into their medication routine, it becomes a simple part of their daily life.

Monitoring your health

Regular health monitoring is an important part of living well with HIV. The healthcare professional will keep a close eye on how you're doing through routine blood tests such as: 

• Your viral load (the amount of HIV in your blood)

• Your CD4 count (a measure of your immune system strength)

• How well your treatment is working

• Whether any adjustments to your medication are needed

These check-ups typically happen every few months and help ensure your treatment continues to work effectively for you.

HIV treatment shows real courage in prioritising your health, and our sexual health specialists at Thomson Medical are here to support you every step of the way. Request an appointment for personalised, confidential care.

Living with HIV: Ways to care for yourself

Living with HIV might feel daunting at first, but with the right care and support, you can absolutely thrive. Beyond medication, here are some gentle ways to look after yourself:

• Attend your appointments: 

  • Regular check-ups help keep your treatment on track

• Take your medication consistently: 

  • This is the most important step in managing HIV effectively

• Look after your overall health: 

  • Eating well, staying active, and getting enough rest all support your immune system

• Connect with support: 

  • Whether through healthcare professionals, support groups, or trusted friends, you don't have to navigate this alone

• Protect your mental health: 

  • Living with HIV can feel overwhelming at times. Talking to a counsellor or therapist can really help

Remember, HIV doesn't define you, and it doesn't have to limit you. HIV is a manageable condition. With today's treatments, people living with HIV can enjoy the same quality of life and life expectancy as those without the virus. You can do more than just manage this; you can truly live well.

Preventing HIV transmission

Whether you're living with HIV or want to stay HIV-negative, there are highly effective ways to prevent transmission: 

• Use condoms consistently:

  • Condoms are one of the most reliable ways to prevent HIV during intercourse when used correctly

• Consider PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis):

  • If you're HIV-negative, taking PrEP daily can reduce your risk of getting HIV by over 90%

  • It's a preventative medication that's especially helpful if your partner has HIV or you have multiple partners

• Know about PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis):

  • If you think you've been exposed to HIV, PEP can prevent infection if started within 72 hours

  • The sooner you start, the more effective it is—seek medical help immediately

• Understand U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable):

  • If you're living with HIV and your viral load is undetectable through consistent treatment, you cannot transmit HIV to sexual partners 

  • This is backed by solid medical evidence and offers real peace of mind

• Get tested regularly:

  • Knowing your status helps you make informed choices and access treatment early if needed

• Use clean needles:

  • If you inject drugs, never share needles or injecting equipment with others

Whatever your situation, there are always options available to keep you and your partners safe. You're not alone in this, and taking steps to prevent HIV transmission shows real care for yourself and others.

FAQ

Can HIV spread through saliva?

Does HIV always turn into AIDS?

How can I confirm if I have HIV?

Can antibiotics fight HIV?

What are the 7 warning signs of HIV?

Can you live a normal life with HIV?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your unique situation, request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.