FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click on the questions to see their answers

What is AIDS and HIV infection?
- AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is a fatal infection caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV for short).
  
  This virus attacks the body's immune (defence) system and over period of time destroys it. This leaves the body defenceless against infections by other germs and the growth of cancers.
  
  Up till the middle of 1996, more than 27.9 million people have been infected worldwide. Over 40% are women, and over 2 million are infants and children. Of these, 5.8 million have died form AIDS, leaving an estimated 21.8 million persons living with HIV infection and AIDS. Half of all infections have occurred in young persons below the age of 25 years.
  
  By the year 2000, there could be over 40 million infected persons, 40% whom will be in Asia.
  
  Young persons are most at risk because they are most sexually active. Get the facts. Don't die of ignorance.

If I get the virus does it mean I will get AIDS?
- HIV infection occurs after the virus enters and establishes infection in the body. In the early stages people look and feel totally well. Even at this stage it is possible to diagnose HIV infection through a blood test. Only when the immune system becomes seriously damaged do persons begin to fall ill. The term AIDS is reserved for this late stage of infections.
  
  Not everybody who is infected with HIV will develop AIDS at the same time. About 30% of patients develop AIDS 5 years after they are infected, and 50% will develop AIDS within 8 to 10 years. Others may be well for longer periods of time.
  
  Since there is no cure, the only way to beat AIDS is to not let virus into your body.

What are the sympthoms of AIDS?
- a)Severe weight loss
  b)Fever and soaking night sweats
  c)Thick white coating in mouth
  d)Unusual purplish spots on the skin
  e)Severe Chronic diarrhoea
  f)Multiple swollen glands in your neck and armpit
  g)Chronic cough with breathlessness
  
  But these symptoms are shared with many other illnesses, so they don't necessarily mean you have AIDS. You should consult your doctor if these complaints last more than a few weeks.

How is HIV Spread?
- There are 3 ways HIV can spread from one person to another.
  
  a) Through semen, vaginal fluids or blood during unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person
  b) Sharing needles and syringes for intravenous drug use with an infected person
  c) From infected mother to baby during pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding

Does everyone who comes into contact with HIV get infected?
- While there is a HIGH risk of being infected through unprotected sex with an HIV-positive person, such contact does not always lead to HIV transmission.
  
  The risk increases greatly for the partner who is penetrated (women rather than men, in the case of vaginal sex);
  - in the presence of other sexually transmitted infections (STI) such as gonorrhoea, herpes and syphilis; and
  - when the HIV-positive person is in the very early and very late stages of HIV infection.
  
  Anal intercourse without condoms carries the highest risk of any sexual activity. Precautions, such as using condoms, should be taken with ALL partners unless it is certain both partners are HIV-negative and are completely faithful to each other.
  
  The risk of catching HIV from sharing contaminated needles or syringes is extremely high (around 80%), while the chance of a pregnant mother infecting her baby is between 15 to 30%.

Can I get AIDS through casual contact?
- No. Casual social contact with persons infected with HIV or AIDS does not place others at risk.
  
  It has been conclusively shown that HIV cannot be spread by:
  
  a) health clubs
  b) sneezing
  c) mosquitoes
  d) touching
  e) hugging
  f) spitting
  g) toilets
  h) bathrooms
  I) sinks
  j) shaking hands
  k) gyms
  l) other biting insects
  m) food
  n) eating utensils
  
  Don't be afraid ! There is no need to discriminate or stigmatize Just be safe !

Who are at risk of getting infected?
- Over 500 Singaporeans have been reported with HIV infection (up to late-1996). There are many more who are infected but do not know that they are. In the 1980s the majority of infections in Singapore were homosexual or bisexual men; but now there are many more infections seen among heterosexual men and women. Heterosexual spread is now the main method of transmission in Singapore. And over 75% of infections around the world are acquired through heterosexual intercourse.
  
  It isn't who you are or what you do that puts you at risk. It is how you do it. Take precautions no matter what kind of sex you are into.

Can I catch HIV from blood Transfusion?
- Since 1985 all donated blood in Singapore is tested for HIV and all contaminated specimens are destroyed. In addition, all persons engaging in high risk activities are advised not to donate blood. Therefore, the blood supply in Singapore is almost totally safe.
  
  There is absolutely no risk of catching HIV when donating blood because all equipment used (needles, syringes, tubing and containers) is sterile, used only once and thrown away.
  
  Transfusion are the last of your worries ! Instead begin by taking precautions during sex each and every time

How do I protect myself from HIV Infection?
- Abstinence from sexual contact is one fool proof method of avoiding HIV infection, other STDs and pregnancy. Don't be fooled into thinking that most teenagers are having penetrative sex. They aren't. There is much to think about before you can say "yes" to sex. And there are many other pleasurable activities you can do besides having penetrative sex - including caressing, stroking, massage, light kissing and mutual masturbation.
  
  Limiting your sexual activity to one faithful sexual partner will reduce risks of being exposed to the virus. And avoid sex with people who may have many sexual partner. If you intend to have penetrative sex, be sure to use a condom until both you and your partner have been tested for HIV. If used correctly and consistently, good quality condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contacting HIV and other STDs, and also prevent unwanted pregnancies. Two negative HIV tests 3 to 6 months apart usually means that there is no HIV infection. Then if you remain faithful to each other, it is safe to stop using condoms. But remember to use an effective birth control method to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
  
  Do not inject drugs. Drug addiction can destroy your life in many ways. If you have a drug using problem and are injecting, never share needles and syringes with others. Learn how to clean your equipment with bleach (chlorox). If you get tattooed of have your ear pierced, be sure the equipment is new or has been sterilized between customers.

Safer Sex could save your LIFE!
- Non-penetrative sex
  Caressing, massaging, body stroking, bathing together, sharing fantasies and telephone sex carry no risk whatsoever of transmitting HIV.
  
  Masturbation
  Masturbating yourself is completely safe. Mutual masturbation with a partner is safe as long as semen, vaginal fluids or blood do not enter cuts, sores and rashes on the skin. Use latex surgical gloves if you have cuts.
  
  Kissing
  Dry or light kissing in which there is no exchange of saliva is totally safe. Deep kissing and contact with cuts and sores or bleeding gums in the mouth may carry a small risk.
  
  Vaginal, anal and oral sex using a condom
  The AIDS virus cannot pass through an unbroken latex condom worn correctly. Be sure the male partner puts it on all the way to the end.
  
  Important!
  Use water based lubricants like KY jelly or Durex jelly with a latex condom. Any type of oil or grease (like oils, creams and lotions) will cause the condom to weaken and break. Only use condoms of reliable brands which are not past their expiry date. Call the AfA hotline if you have any how-to-do questions. No question is too small or personal, we can direct you to the relevant experts.

Is there a way to diagnose HIV Infection?
- The blood test detects antibodies produced by the body in response to infection by HIV.
  A "positive" or "reactive" test means that the person is infected and is infectious to others as well. But this test does not predict when the person will go on to develop AIDs.
  
  The antibody test is accurate after about 3 months following infection because it takes this long for the antibodies to appear in the blood. Taking the test is a big decision and should not be done without pretest counseling. Although early detection can help in the management of HIV infection, some people prefer not to test until they are emotionally ready.
  
  Whether you take the test or not you should always practice safer sex, unless both you and your partner have tested negative and are maintaining a completely monogamous relationship.

Is there treatment for AIDS and HIV infection?
- There is no cure for HIV infection and AIDS. But there are medicines that can treat the infections and cancers which occur in AIDS. Drugs which attack the HIV virus are also available. These drugs can prolongs the lifespan of the infected persons.
  
  Research into vaccines may one day yield an effective medical prevention, but until that time the only effective preventions is not to allow the virus to enter your body.

What can I do to fight AIDS in Singapore?
- Take personal action to prevent getting infected. Stay well-informed of the facts and pass on the information to your family, friends and loved ones; dispel myths and correct misconceptions you may hear about HIV infection. Don't let others pressure you into discriminating or stigmatizing persons who have lifestyles different from your own or have HIV infection. If someone you know has HIV infection, show your love and support instead. Arrange for AIDS Awareness events in your workplace, school, club or home. If you think you may have put yourself at risk of HIV infection contact the AIDS Help lines for information or to arrange for an appointment, alternatively you can contact your own doctor.
  
  Get Tested - Anonymous HIV Testing Available !