Although HIV is notorious for being one of the most hazardous sexually transmitted diseases, it is no longer deemed a death sentence. After the advancement of medication and treatments, especially after 1983 when HIV was first identified, HIV positive people can still lead long and healthy lives. In this article, we delve deep into detailing every stage of HIV infection, its symptoms and the span of each stage. With the correct medication that is taken regularly, HIV rarely develops into the most severe stage which is acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
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Getting the Covid-19 Vaccine When You Are HIV-Positive
HIV is a virus that targets the immune system and weakens it extensively without a treatment. This is why many HIV-positive individuals worry about the prospects of becoming infected with Covid-19. When it comes to protecting oneself, getting vaccinated is the best choice. But can HIV-positive people in Singapore get their Covid-19 shot?
Continue readingCan You Get STDs by Only Having Protected Sex?
Protected sex through the use of barrier contraception (like condoms) is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of getting an STD. As effective as condoms are, however, there’s still a possibility of becoming infected. How big is this possibility and is there anything you can do to minimise the potential of exposure even further?
Continue readingHIV and Depression
Various studies confirm the fact that HIV-positive individuals are predisposed to developing clinical depression. Unfortunately, the mental health condition can lead to complications and poor health outcomes. Choosing a good strategy to manage and counter depression is an important part of every holistic HIV treatment.
Continue readingWhy Haven’t We Developed a Genital Herpes Vaccine Yet?
Genital herpes is one of the most common STDs. It’s been around for millennia, historical records suggest. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies haven’t managed to develop an effective vaccine for it yet. There are several reasons why the HSV-2 virus proves to be exceptionally difficult to tackle.
Continue readingWhen Should You Get Tested for Some of the Most Common STDs
Usually, you are not going to test positive for an STD immediately after getting infected. There’s an incubation period that’s characterised by the pathogen being undetectable. Hence, you should wait some time before getting an STD test. Here are some testing timeframes for a few of the most common STDs in Singapore.
Continue readingThe First 3 Days After Sexual Assault Are Crucial for HIV Prevention: Here’s What to Do
Recoveries from sexual assault can be long and troublesome. Survivors would have to go through counselling and extensive medical assistance to start healing. Acting fast in the aftermath of assault should be prioritised. The first 72 hours are incredibly important, especially when it comes to the prevention of HIV.
Continue readingThe Biggest HIV Prevention Breakthroughs of the Past Decades
The HIV pandemic has slowed down significantly over the past few decades, mainly because of medical advances. Some of these new developments have contributed to highly effective prevention, even among high risk individuals. Here are the biggest HIV prevention breakthroughs that could potentially end the pandemic.
Continue readingHow Is the Global HIV Response Addressing the Needs of Children?
The world made plans to end the transmission of HIV from mother to baby by 2020. And while the rate of infection among children has been going down, there are still millions of children living with HIV across the world. Several factors stand in the way of the successful eradication of the problem and a more effective HIV response.
Continue readingHIV Immunotherapy Development Project Starts in Early 2021
Two biotech companies have announced their plans to develop vaccine-like HIV immunotherapy. The aim of the new product would be to teach the immune system to target the virus and get rid of it. Gilead Sciences, one of the companies in the partnership, already has extensive experience in the field of HIV medication development.
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