All you need to know about HIV

how conclusive is a 4 week test?

[Big Sexy]

i would say 60%-90%.. better to go for another one 2 months later to be 99% sure...

Originally Posted by raw8587

how conclusive is a 4 week test?

[Big Sexy]

source
TODAYonline

UNITED NATIONS — Asian governments must devote more funds to preventing Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids) or face the risk that the disease could kill nearly half a million people each year across the continent by 2020, a United Nations report said.
.
While the international spotlight has often focused on Aids in Africa, the study commissioned by the United Nations programme on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Aids sounded the alarm about the impact of the scourge in Asia.
.
Currently, about 440,000 die from the disease each year in the continent, the report released yesterday said. The most comprehensive study on Aids in Asia, it also said the overall number of infected people would likely double to 10 million by 2020 if prevention efforts are not implemented.
.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appealed to Asian countries to implement the study's recommendations, including increased funding for prevention efforts.
.
The report said an annual budget of US$1 billion ($1.38 billion) for focused prevention programme among most-at-risk populations could reduce infections by 60 per cent in Asia.
.
It noted that HIV transmission in the continent was driven primarily by three high-risk behaviours: Unprotected commercial sex, injecting drug use and unprotected sex between men. — AFP
UNITED NATIONS — Asian governments must devote more funds to preventing Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids) or face the risk that the disease could kill nearly half a million people each year across the continent by 2020, a United Nations report said.
.
While the international spotlight has often focused on Aids in Africa, the study commissioned by the United Nations programme on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Aids sounded the alarm about the impact of the scourge in Asia.
.
Currently, about 440,000 die from the disease each year in the continent, the report released yesterday said. The most comprehensive study on Aids in Asia, it also said the overall number of infected people would likely double to 10 million by 2020 if prevention efforts are not implemented.
.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appealed to Asian countries to implement the study's recommendations, including increased funding for prevention efforts.
.
The report said an annual budget of US$1 billion ($1.38 billion) for focused prevention programme among most-at-risk populations could reduce infections by 60 per cent in Asia.
.
It noted that HIV transmission in the continent was driven primarily by three high-risk behaviours: Unprotected commercial sex, injecting drug use and unprotected sex between men. — AFP

[Big Sexy]

Teens, sex and Aids: Time to face up to today's realities
With teen hiv on the rise, is the abstinence-based approach relevant?

Tan Hui Leng
huileng@mediacorp.com.sg
Today Singapore News // Thursday, May 8, 2008
part 1
Source TODAYonline

Amid the heady flush of first love, or lust, can two hot-blooded teenagers abstain from sex when even grown-ups yield to temptation?
.
More importantly, are we willing to live with the risk of giving them the benefit of the doubt when their lives and future could be at stake?
.
Risk, in this case, is spelt HIV. Just look at the statistics.
.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections have been on the rise annually, registering a record high of 422 diagnosed last year. Those in their 20s and 30s make up the biggest proportion of total patient load.
.
Does that mean they contracted the virus only in their 20s? Do we know when they started having sex?
.
According to the Durex Global Sex Survey Report, the mean age at which Singaporeans lose their virginity is 18.4 years old. How many teens under 18 are having sex if the average yardstick is 18.4 years?
.
Well, teens have been registering single digits in annual HIV statistics. It may not look significant, but each year, the numbers creep up quietly. This is in tandem with the rising trend of sexually-transmitted infections among teens — which has also been steadily increasing in recent years.
.
It was revealed last week that there were nine teenagers diagnosed with HIV last year, all of whom were between 17 and 19 when detected. This is up from one to four cases each year between 2003 and 2006.
.
With a higher rate of premarital sex, presumably with multiple partners for some, comes a higher risk of sexual infections.
.
Despite this, the Ministry of Health is not rolling out its full-fledged HIV prevention programmes for teens.
.
In Parliament recently, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained the sensitivity in broadcasting the ABC (Abstinence, Be faithful and Condom-use) message nationwide: "Many parents will be upset with such a campaign and we will be accused of promoting promiscuity."
.
"So, the general broadcast has a small 'c'. On the other hand, the ABC campaign targeted at high-risk groups will have an enlarged 'C' as the main theme."
.
While this is similar to the argument put forward in the Section 377A debate — let us not upset the majority of the population who are conservative, or rather, heterosexual — it does not hold water when the majority of Singaporean parents could possibly be affected.
.
Whether they like it or not, there is likely a 50 per cent chance their children are having sex even before they turn 18.
.
That the importance of condom usage is overshadowed by the message of abstinence is disturbing in the light of the recent HIV statistics.
.
Mr Khaw said that those in "high-risk" groups would be given a stronger message to use condoms. The recurring question is, who are in "high-risk" groups, particularly if we are talking about teenagers who are exploring their sexuality?
.
To wait until a youth presents a sexually-transmitted infection before counselling on safer sex kicks in is to hide behind a veil of ignorance.
.
Promoting abstinence and faithfulness is effective in keeping HIV under control, but more focus is needed on efforts to educate sexually-active teens about sexuality and condom use, said volunteer group Action for Aids. How will the authorities get a chance to help teens when premarital sex is emphasised as a moral wrong?
.
And do the sexuality and parenting programmes we have equip parents adequately to talk to their children about condom use?
.
Singapore's rapid development in the last 40 years has fast-tracked a generation that may hold different values from those of their parents. Whether one agrees with what teenagers do in their bedrooms is not the issue — and should not detract from the issue, which is: There is a need to implement an effective solution that will not stigmatise. It starts with acknowledging today's realities.

With teen hiv on the rise, is the abstinence-based approach relevant?

Tan Hui Leng
huileng@mediacorp.com.sg

Amid the heady flush of first love, or lust, can two hot-blooded teenagers abstain from sex when even grown-ups yield to temptation?
.
More importantly, are we willing to live with the risk of giving them the benefit of the doubt when their lives and future could be at stake?
.
Risk, in this case, is spelt HIV. Just look at the statistics.
.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections have been on the rise annually, registering a record high of 422 diagnosed last year. Those in their 20s and 30s make up the biggest proportion of total patient load.
.
Does that mean they contracted the virus only in their 20s? Do we know when they started having sex?
.
According to the Durex Global Sex Survey Report, the mean age at which Singaporeans lose their virginity is 18.4 years old. How many teens under 18 are having sex if the average yardstick is 18.4 years?
.
Well, teens have been registering single digits in annual HIV statistics. It may not look significant, but each year, the numbers creep up quietly. This is in tandem with the rising trend of sexually-transmitted infections among teens — which has also been steadily increasing in recent years.
.
It was revealed last week that there were nine teenagers diagnosed with HIV last year, all of whom were between 17 and 19 when detected. This is up from one to four cases each year between 2003 and 2006.
.
With a higher rate of premarital sex, presumably with multiple partners for some, comes a higher risk of sexual infections.
.
Despite this, the Ministry of Health is not rolling out its full-fledged HIV prevention programmes for teens.
.
In Parliament recently, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained the sensitivity in broadcasting the ABC (Abstinence, Be faithful and Condom-use) message nationwide: "Many parents will be upset with such a campaign and we will be accused of promoting promiscuity."
.
"So, the general broadcast has a small 'c'. On the other hand, the ABC campaign targeted at high-risk groups will have an enlarged 'C' as the main theme."
.
While this is similar to the argument put forward in the Section 377A debate — let us not upset the majority of the population who are conservative, or rather, heterosexual — it does not hold water when the majority of Singaporean parents could possibly be affected.
.
Whether they like it or not, there is likely a 50 per cent chance their children are having sex even before they turn 18.
.
That the importance of condom usage is overshadowed by the message of abstinence is disturbing in the light of the recent HIV statistics.
.
Mr Khaw said that those in "high-risk" groups would be given a stronger message to use condoms. The recurring question is, who are in "high-risk" groups, particularly if we are talking about teenagers who are exploring their sexuality?
.
To wait until a youth presents a sexually-transmitted infection before counselling on safer sex kicks in is to hide behind a veil of ignorance.
.
Promoting abstinence and faithfulness is effective in keeping HIV under control, but more focus is needed on efforts to educate sexually-active teens about sexuality and condom use, said volunteer group Action for Aids. How will the authorities get a chance to help teens when premarital sex is emphasised as a moral wrong?
.
And do the sexuality and parenting programmes we have equip parents adequately to talk to their children about condom use?
.
Singapore's rapid development in the last 40 years has fast-tracked a generation that may hold different values from those of their parents. Whether one agrees with what teenagers do in their bedrooms is not the issue — and should not detract from the issue, which is: There is a need to implement an effective solution that will not stigmatise. It starts with acknowledging today's realities.
With teen hiv on the rise, is the abstinence-based approach relevant?

Tan Hui Leng
huileng@mediacorp.com.sg

Amid the heady flush of first love, or lust, can two hot-blooded teenagers abstain from sex when even grown-ups yield to temptation?
.
More importantly, are we willing to live with the risk of giving them the benefit of the doubt when their lives and future could be at stake?
.
Risk, in this case, is spelt HIV. Just look at the statistics.
.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections have been on the rise annually, registering a record high of 422 diagnosed last year. Those in their 20s and 30s make up the biggest proportion of total patient load.
.
Does that mean they contracted the virus only in their 20s? Do we know when they started having sex?
.
According to the Durex Global Sex Survey Report, the mean age at which Singaporeans lose their virginity is 18.4 years old. How many teens under 18 are having sex if the average yardstick is 18.4 years?
.

[Big Sexy]

Teens, sex and Aids: Time to face up to today's realities
With teen hiv on the rise, is the abstinence-based approach relevant?

Tan Hui Leng
huileng@mediacorp.com.sg
Today Singapore News // Thursday, May 8, 2008
part 2
Source TODAYonline

Well, teens have been registering single digits in annual HIV statistics. It may not look significant, but each year, the numbers creep up quietly. This is in tandem with the rising trend of sexually-transmitted infections among teens — which has also been steadily increasing in recent years.
.
It was revealed last week that there were nine teenagers diagnosed with HIV last year, all of whom were between 17 and 19 when detected. This is up from one to four cases each year between 2003 and 2006.
.
With a higher rate of premarital sex, presumably with multiple partners for some, comes a higher risk of sexual infections.
.
Despite this, the Ministry of Health is not rolling out its full-fledged HIV prevention programmes for teens.
.
In Parliament recently, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained the sensitivity in broadcasting the ABC (Abstinence, Be faithful and Condom-use) message nationwide: "Many parents will be upset with such a campaign and we will be accused of promoting promiscuity."

"So, the general broadcast has a small 'c'. On the other hand, the ABC campaign targeted at high-risk groups will have an enlarged 'C' as the main theme."
hile this is similar to the argument put forward in the Section 377A debate — let us not upset the majority of the population who are conservative, or rather, heterosexual — it does not hold water when the majority of Singaporean parents could possibly be affected.

Whether they like it or not, there is likely a 50 per cent chance their children are having sex even before they turn 18.

That the importance of condom usage is overshadowed by the message of abstinence is disturbing in the light of the recent HIV statistics.

Mr Khaw said that those in "high-risk" groups would be given a stronger message to use condoms. The recurring question is, who are in "high-risk" groups, particularly if we are talking about teenagers who are exploring their sexuality?

To wait until a youth presents a sexually-transmitted infection before counselling on safer sex kicks in is to hide behind a veil of ignorance.

Promoting abstinence and faithfulness is effective in keeping HIV under control, but more focus is needed on efforts to educate sexually-active teens about sexuality and condom use, said volunteer group Action for Aids. How will the authorities get a chance to help teens when premarital sex is emphasised as a moral wrong?

And do the sexuality and parenting programmes we have equip parents adequately to talk to their children about condom use?

Singapore's rapid development in the last 40 years has fast-tracked a generation that may hold different values from those of their parents. Whether one agrees with what teenagers do in their bedrooms is not the issue — and should not detract from the issue, which is: There is a need to implement an effective solution that will not stigmatise. It starts with acknowledging today's realities.
With teen hiv on the rise, is the abstinence-based approach relevant?

Amid the heady flush of first love, or lust, can two hot-blooded teenagers abstain from sex when even grown-ups yield to temptation?

More importantly, are we willing to live with the risk of giving them the benefit of the doubt when their lives and future could be at stake?

Risk, in this case, is spelt HIV. Just look at the statistics.

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections have been on the rise annually, registering a record high of 422 diagnosed last year. Those in their 20s and 30s make up the biggest proportion of total patient load.

Does that mean they contracted the virus only in their 20s? Do we know when they started having sex?

According to the Durex Global Sex Survey Report, the mean age at which Singaporeans lose their virginity is 18.4 years old. How many teens under 18 are having sex if the average yardstick is 18.4 years?

Well, teens have been registering single digits in annual HIV statistics. It may not look significant, but each year, the numbers creep up quietly. This is in tandem with the rising trend of sexually-transmitted infections among teens — which has also been steadily increasing in recent years.

It was revealed last week that there were nine teenagers diagnosed with HIV last year, all of whom were between 17 and 19 when detected. This is up from one to four cases each year between 2003 and 2006.

With a higher rate of premarital sex, presumably with multiple partners for some, comes a higher risk of sexual infections.

Despite this, the Ministry of Health is not rolling out its full-fledged HIV prevention programmes for teens.

In Parliament recently, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained the sensitivity in broadcasting the ABC (Abstinence, Be faithful and Condom-use) message nationwide: "Many parents will be upset with such a campaign and we will be accused of promoting promiscuity."

"So, the general broadcast has a small 'c'. On the other hand, the ABC campaign targeted at high-risk groups will have an enlarged 'C' as the main theme."

While this is similar to the argument put forward in the Section 377A debate — let us not upset the majority of the population who are conservative, or rather, heterosexual — it does not hold water when the majority of Singaporean parents could possibly be affected.

Whether they like it or not, there is likely a 50 per cent chance their children are having sex even before they turn 18.

That the importance of condom usage is overshadowed by the message of abstinence is disturbing in the light of the recent HIV statistics.

Mr Khaw said that those in "high-risk"

That the importance of condom usage is overshadowed by the message of abstinence is disturbing in the light of the recent HIV statistics.

Mr Khaw said that those in "high-risk" groups would be given a stronger message to use condoms. The recurring question is, who are in "high-risk" groups, particularly if we are talking about teenagers who are exploring their sexuality?

To wait until a youth presents a sexually-transmitted infection before counselling on safer sex kicks in is to hide behind a veil of ignorance.

Promoting abstinence and faithfulness is effective in keeping HIV under control, but more focus is needed on efforts to educate sexually-active teens about sexuality and condom use, said volunteer group Action for Aids. How will the authorities get a chance to help teens when premarital sex is emphasised as a moral wrong?

And do the sexuality and parenting programmes we have equip parents adequately to talk to their children about condom use?

Singapore's rapid development in the last 40 years has fast-tracked a generation that may hold different values from those of their parents. Whether one agrees with what teenagers do in their bedrooms is not the issue — and should not detract from the issue, which is: There is a need to implement an effective solution that will not stigmatise. It starts with acknowledging today's realities.
With teen hiv on the rise, is the abstinence-based approach relevant?

Amid the heady flush of first love, or lust, can two hot-blooded teenagers abstain from sex when even grown-ups yield to temptation?

More importantly, are we willing to live with the risk of giving them the benefit of the doubt when their lives and future could be at stake?

Risk, in this case, is spelt HIV. Just look at the statistics.

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections have been on the rise annually, registering a record high of 422 diagnosed last year. Those in their 20s and 30s make up the biggest proportion of total patient load.

Does that mean they contracted the virus only in their 20s? Do we know when they started having sex?

According to the Durex Global Sex Survey Report, the mean age at which Singaporeans lose their virginity is 18.4 years old. How many teens under 18 are having sex if the average yardstick is 18.4 years?

Well, teens have been registering single digits in annual HIV statistics. It may not look significant, but each year, the numbers creep up quietly. This is in tandem with the rising trend of sexually-transmitted infections among teens — which has also been steadily increasing in recent years.

It was revealed last week that there were nine teenagers diagnosed with HIV last year, all of whom were between 17 and 19 when detected. This is up from one to four cases each year between 2003 and 2006.

With a higher rate of premarital sex, presumably with multiple partners for some, comes a higher risk of sexual infections.

Despite this, the Ministry of Health is not rolling out its full-fledged HIV prevention programmes for teens.

[Big Sexy]

eens, sex and Aids: Time to face up to today's realities
With teen hiv on the rise, is the abstinence-based approach relevant?

Tan Hui Leng
huileng@mediacorp.com.sg
Today Singapore News // Thursday, May 8, 2008
part 3
Source TODAYonline

In Parliament recently, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained the sensitivity in broadcasting the ABC (Abstinence, Be faithful and Condom-use) message nationwide: "Many parents will be upset with such a campaign and we will be accused of promoting promiscuity."

"So, the general broadcast has a small 'c'. On the other hand, the ABC campaign targeted at high-risk groups will have an enlarged 'C' as the main theme."

While this is similar to the argument put forward in the Section 377A debate — let us not upset the majority of the population who are conservative, or rather, heterosexual — it does not hold water when the majority of Singaporean parents could possibly be affected.

Whether they like it or not, there is likely a 50 per cent chance their children are having sex even before they turn 18.

That the importance of condom usage is overshadowed by the message of abstinence is disturbing in the light of the recent HIV statistics.

Mr Khaw said that those in "high-risk" groups would be given a stronger message to use condoms. The recurring question is, who are in "high-risk" groups, particularly if we are talking about teenagers who are exploring their sexuality?

To wait until a youth presents a sexually-transmitted infection before counselling on safer sex kicks in is to hide behind a veil of ignorance.

Promoting abstinence and faithfulness is effective in keeping HIV under control, but more focus is needed on efforts to educate sexually-active teens about sexuality and condom use, said volunteer group Action for Aids. How will the authorities get a chance to help teens when premarital sex is emphasised as a moral wrong?

And do the sexuality and parenting programmes we have equip parents adequately to talk to their children about condom use?

Singapore's rapid development in the last 40 years has fast-tracked a generation that may hold different values from those of their parents. Whether one agrees with what teenagers do in their bedrooms is not the issue — and should not detract from the issue, which is: There is a need to implement an effective solution that will not stigmatise. It starts with acknowledging today's realities.

[SammyHulk]

Bro Big Sexy, Thankz 4 all e edu info sharing. Btw, ur signature is cool. Hahaha....

[Jari_Owen]

Hi....need to clarify a few things...and my apologies if these "answers" are hidden/discussed somewhere in the middle of this long list of posting...

1) Is HIV classified as a Communicable disease ?

2) Does a patient with +ve HIV, allow to stay in a normal hospital or only in CDC if he/she need to be hospitalise for any sort of treatment.

3) Will the hospital arrange Or is it a MUST that hospital will arrange for special undertaker to handle the body upon passing. Anyway family member allow to handle the funeral ?

4) Is it definte that there will be no wake for HIV + patient and instead be cremated within 24hrs upon death ?

Thankss

[Hasa Sas]

Originally Posted by Jari_Owen

Hi....need to clarify a few things...and my apologies if these "answers" are hidden/discussed somewhere in the middle of this long list of posting...

1) Is HIV classified as a Communicable disease ?

2) Does a patient with +ve HIV, allow to stay in a normal hospital or only in CDC if he/she need to be hospitalise for any sort of treatment.

3) Will the hospital arrange Or is it a MUST that hospital will arrange for special undertaker to handle the body upon passing. Anyway family member allow to handle the funeral ?

4) Is it definte that there will be no wake for HIV + patient and instead be cremated within 24hrs upon death ?

Thankss

Answer for

3)There is a list of undertakers assign to handle funeral for deseased of HIV
patient. The social worker & staff at CDC will assist the victim's family.
They are great people taking risk & pride in their job

4) Not true....u can hold the wake in void deck or funeral parlour.
Due to stigma attached to HIV, most will cremated within few days
instead of the usual 5-7 days

[worrying]

hi bros, i have all the symptoms of acute HIV infection. I'm only 22....now awaiting results...will be out this friday.

im really scared coz i thought unprotected oral sex was pretty safe...now is 3 mths from that encounter.

she was brushing her teeth after her session with me. if ive gotten hiv, muz be due to her brushing too hard the previous session, causing blood....

otherwise, i think unprotected oral sex has pretty low risk rite?

all the thoughts of suicide is coming now.

[wodemama]

Originally Posted by worrying

hi bros, i have all the symptoms of acute HIV infection. I'm only 22....now awaiting results...will be out this friday.

im really scared coz i thought unprotected oral sex was pretty safe...now is 3 mths from that encounter.

she was brushing her teeth after her session with me. if ive gotten hiv, muz be due to her brushing too hard the previous session, causing blood....

otherwise, i think unprotected oral sex has pretty low risk rite?

all the thoughts of suicide is coming now.

Bro, there is no such thing as safe in this world. UNLESS you pcc urself den that is a different story.


It has been established that HIV transmission takes place in four ways :
1. Unprotected sexual intercourse wIth an infected partner
2. Blood transfusion wIth contaminated blood and blood products
3. Sharing contaminated syringes and needles
4. From infected mother to child during pregnancy, at birth or through breast
feeding

And yes unprotected oral sex poses very low risk for HIV transmission and you should take more precaution the next time. The law states that all HIV infected person are to declare their status b4 engaging in sexual acts with others.

[xXAsSaSsInxX]

hi bros,
iv got rashes tt lasted me for 2 months some time ago.
now im having hives again.with sudden outbreak of bleeding gums too.
and also fever-like feeling,but temp is still alright.only those aching bones feeling
does this means im infected?

[AfA_hmor]

only way to find out for sure is to take a HIV test.

[mentos1]

I guess it is pointless to worry so much at this moment of time. Sometime it maybe due to the self actualisation effect that your body is getting all these symptoms. Just take a test now, if negative then go for one more 3 months later to be sure.

[worrying]

hi guys, i took the test at the 4 week mark. it turned out negative.

but i keep getting more and more symptoms each day. its like my body is filling out the checklist of symptoms.

when they say swollen lymph node at the neck, does it come and go? mine came and went in two days. now still a lil swollen.

should i test at 6/8 week with DSC instead of AFA?