In the clinical practice of venereology and dermatology, HIV and STD clinics in Singapore see a wide range of infectious diseases and peculiar conditions. As our clinic is primarily a family medicine practice, the variety of unusual maladies and clinical encounters can indeed serve as fodder for some very interesting fiction. Adam (not his real
Read moreGenital warts is one of the most commonly sexually-transmitted disease (STD) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Sometimes referred to as condyloma acuminata or venereal warts, it can be spread through skin-to-skin genital contact or sex with someone who has the virus. Genital warts can be identified by skin-coloured fleshy growths that appear in the
Read moreIntroduction The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported of rare cases where HIV transmission occurred from donors to recipients despite screening, thus emphasizing the importance of using sensitive tests for both chronic and acute HIV infections (serological tests and nucleic acid testing). This problem of HIV transmission during organ transplantation is more
Read moreThe Health Promotion Board in Singapore states that, “the majority of Singaporean women are infected through sex with their husbands or boyfriends.” This is a statistical fact. Unfaithfulness. Betrayal. Infidelity. Sometimes these actions end in dire consequences – the transmission of the dreaded HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to your loved ones
Read moreIntroduction When you think that you have been exposed to the HIV virus, it is best to get treated immediately, and if not immediately, then within the next seventy-two hours. Going to a clinic that provides up-to-date and effective HIV PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) could seriously influence the outcome of your risk encounter. PEP is
Read moreIntroduction 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
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