HIV Prevention Singapore | HIV PEP
HIV Prevention in Singapore: HIV is a viral infection that weakens the immune system and makes you unable to combat other infections. HIV is commonly caused by unprotected sex.
How can I prevent HIV infection?
As of now, there is no vaccine to prevent HIV infection. The only way to prevent HIV is to avoid becoming exposed to the virus.
- Make sure to use a condom every time you have anal, vaginal or oral sex, especially if you don’t know the HIV infection status of your partner. To prevent condom rupture, always use a water-based lubricant condom. If you are a female, you can use female condom for vaginal sex or a dental dam for oral sex.
- Always use a sterile, unused needle to inject drugs. Do not share the used needle with others.
- Avoid entry of other’s body fluids, including breast milk, semen, vaginal secretions, and blood, into your body. These secretions may be contaminated with HIV.
- If you test positive for HIV infection, inform your current and recent sexual partner(s) right away. They should get tested as soon as possible for HIV infection.
- If you think you are at risk of acquiring an HIV infection, consult a doctor. He/she may prescribe Truvada, an approved anti-viral drug to reduce the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted HIV infection in high-risk individuals. Your doctor may test for HIV, hepatitis B, and normal kidney function before prescribing the medicine. Truvada is an appropriate option only if you are not already HIV-positive.
- Seek immediate medical help if you are an HIV-positive pregnant woman. Standard medical care can prevent HIV transmission to a baby from an infected mother.
- If you are male, you can consider male circumcision to lower the risk of acquiring an HIV infection.