Introduction As the story goes, Mr X had HIV post exposure prophylaxis (better remembered as HIV PEP) after a risky sexual exposure. He couldn’t quite remember how many times he had HIV PEP, and this was probably the umpteenth time. This time, the prophylaxis failed. He was tested HIV positive 3 months after completion of
Read moreA randomized trial revealed that HIV-positive individuals who participated in moderate and high intensity exercises improved their functional capacity, and gained from all the benefits of exercise without deterioration in physical or mental health. In fact, studies thus far have shown that exercise does not negatively affect your CD4 counts. So whether you are a
Read moreHIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It can seem similar to other viruses, such as the common cold or flu, but there is one major difference – your body can’t get rid of it. That means if you get HIV, you have it forever. Symptoms of initial HIV infection can vary depending on the
Read moreI have always urged patients not to delay HIV testing, especially in Singapore where HIV tests, HIV PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) and various clinical resources are abundantly available. Some are reluctant to undergo testing because of fear, denial, anxiety, or mere unawareness. The reasons for delaying HIV testing can be more complicated than it seem,[1]
Read more“Hey Doc, all these tests are killing me! I’ve done like 8 HIV tests in the last 2 months, but I’m so confused. So when will the tests be conclusive? Some sites are saying there’s a 6 months window period, while some are telling me that 28 days with the HIV Combo or Duo test
Read moreWhen should a person be tested for HIV? How long is the purported “Window Period” for testing? Comedian Chris Rock once said that, “the scary thing about the AIDS test is that when you take it, you don’t get the results back for FIIIVVEE days.” But, the really scary thing about HIV tests is not
Read morePart 2 “The 2014 CDC Guidelines” Now what about the latest guidelines concerning HIV Testing? Some of my patients have observed, “There are certain websites that allege they have the latest information and guidelines, and these claim that the latest, most up-to-date guidelines teach that the rapid HIV Combo/Duo test is conclusive when performed at
Read morePart 1 “The UK Guidelines” My patients have often asked me the following questions concerning the rapid 4th generation HIV Test so readily available in Singapore’s clinics. This test is also known as the “rapid HIV combo test,” the “rapid HIV Duo test,” or more correctly, the “rapid p24 antigen/HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibody combination test.”
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