HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that weakens your body’s immune system by destroying important cells that help to fight everyday infections and diseases. It is often transmitted through sexual contact or sharing drug injection equipment such as syringes or needles with an infected person. If left untreated, HIV can lead to serious illnesses and complications that may be life-threatening.
With that said, being exposed to HIV doesn’t automatically mean you’ll contract the virus. But it’s still crucial that you act fast to reduce your chances of getting it. If you suspect that you may have been exposed to HIV, be sure to follow these 3 steps.
1. Get a test
A test is the only way to guarantee if you have HIV. Most clinics and hospitals in Singapore provide rapid testing, which reveals results in 20 minutes, reducing the anxiety of waiting for HIV test results. These tests often involve either a finger prick to draw blood samples or an oral swab between your cheek and gum. However, if a rapid test produces a positive result for HIV, a confirmatory laboratory blood test will be administered, and you’ll receive the results two weeks later.
However, it may take up to three months for HIV to show on a test. Thus, if you just got tested shortly after being exposed to the virus and received a negative result, be sure to take another test after three months.
2. Start PEP fast
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a short course of emergency medicine taken soon after HIV exposure to prevent the virus from multiplying in your body. PEP does not guarantee that you will not be infected with HIV, but it can lower your risk by more than 90%.
Timing is key when it comes to the effectiveness of PEP – you will need to begin the course within 72 hours of contact with HIV, ideally within 36 hours. The sooner you start taking the medicine, the more effective it will be. Once you’ve started on a course of PEP, you will take it every day for 28 days. After you’ve finished the medicine, you’ll have to get another HIV test to check if it was effective.
3. Protect others
It is also your responsibility to protect others from being exposed to it. Be honest with your partners and let them know that you may have been exposed to HIV, so they can get tested as well.
An effective way of safeguarding your partner is by practising protected sex. Use a condom religiously when you have sexual intercourse. Condoms act as a physical barrier that blocks the virus, as well as protects against other STDs. If you use lubricant, opt for water-based ones when wearing condoms, as oil-based lubricants can damage or break the condom.
Lastly, refrain from donating blood or semen until your doctor confirms that you don’t have HIV. Most blood banks and fertility clinics screen all samples they receive for HIV.
Conclusion
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is key to lowering your risk of infection and protecting your loved ones.
At Elyon Clinic, we provide a range of essential healthcare services help you maintain your health. From warts treatment to STD testing in Singapore, don’t hesitate to consult us for any health concerns you may have. Contact our clinic at 6802 7208 to book an appointment.