In 2018, a total of 8,295 Singaporean residents had been infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), according to the Ministry of Health. Each year, the number of HIV-infected patients has been increasing. But HIV is a preventable sexually transmitted disease (STD). HIV is only spread through a few ways. By being conscious and knowing about the methods of transmission that exist, you would be protecting yourself from potential infection from the virus. Here are three ways that HIV can transmit from person to person and some information about HIV testing in Singapore.

Through Vaginal or Anal Sex

The primary way in which HIV is transmitted from person to person is when a partner has unprotected vaginal or anal sex with an HIV-positive partner. The gender of either partner does not matter. It also does not matter whether the sexual position of the HIV-positive partner. This method of transmission is the most common, especially among the population of men who have sex with men. It is important to note that according to HIV.gov, oral sex provides a very low chance of transmission as HIV cannot be transmitted through saliva. When someone has vaginal or anal sex, HIV is usually transmitted through their vaginal fluids, seminal or pre-seminal fluids, or through their anal fluids. The best way to prevent yourself from contracting HIV is to avoid having vaginal or anal sex altogether but if that is not feasible, always use a condom when having vaginal or anal sex.

Through Sharing Drug Equipment

HIV can be transmitted through blood, though this method of transmission is rarer than the previous one. If equipment such as a needle is used to inject drugs into an HIV-positive person’s bloodstream, then the needle would be contaminated with blood that has HIV. If it is not properly sterilised before being used on another person, that person has a chance of contracting HIV. In most clinics, like HIV clinics, doctors make sure to fully sterilise all their needles before using them on a new patient to ensure that no accidental transmission occurs. In Singapore, this method of transmission is usually only found by drug users who share needles with other drug users. You may be at risk if you had an injection conducted by a person who is not a medical professional. Healthcare workers may also be at risk.

From Mother to Child

Finally, an HIV-positive mother may also give birth to an HIV-positive child. This could happen during the pregnancy, during birth or even while the mother is breastfeeding her child. With some combination of antiretroviral drugs, a mother could significantly reduce the chances of passing HIV to her child, but there is always that risk of transmitting HIV to a child, who will likely not have a strong enough immune system to ward off infections as they grow.

HIV Testing

Getting tested for HIV is important, especially if you know that you are at risk. A HIV test in Singapore will help to ascertain whether you are actually HIV-positive, helping to prevent the spread of the virus to your sexual partners. Testing positive will also give you access to medications that can significantly prolong your life expectancy and reduce your chances of transmission to other individuals. Testing negative for HIV will let you breathe a sigh of relief. For more information about HIV testing from an STD clinic in Singapore, contact Elyon Clinic at 6802 7208.