The three most dreaded letters, and the stuff of nightmares.
We aren't speaking about ERP right here, however fairly HIV.
Ever since its discovery on the world stage within the Nineteen Eighties, HIV has continued to plague us for lack of a recognized remedy.
We go on a deep dive to uncover some 7 of an important but shocking issues we might not find out about HIV in Singapore.
1. Being HIV constructive doesn't imply AIDS
Similar similar, however totally different?
Similar similar, however totally different?
For the longest time, HIV was synonymous with AIDS. What's the distinction between these two, aside from their spelling?
For one, HIV refers back to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which is a virus. Very similar to one of many 200 viruses that may trigger a chilly. (In reality one of many signs of HIV is flu).
AIDS, nevertheless, refers to a state of a human physique which is rendered so weak and thus unable to battle off many widespread sicknesses (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrom).
HIV was lumped along with AIDS as an inseparable and interchangeable pair, however consider AIDS as a late, late stage of a HIV an infection.
Today, with early remedy, most individuals with HIV won't purchase AIDS. It's because their immune system may be stored bolstered with common medical care, a lot in order that AIDS won't set in.
2. A HIV constructive individual can have a comparatively regular life
Enterprise as ordinary, a run within the park
Oh, the wonders of scientific advances! Today, being recognized with HIV not equates to an automated dying sentence.
The life expectancy of HIV carriers continues to extend, and a research has proven that for younger individuals (if recognized and handled early), their life expectancy is properly into their 70s.
In fact, being HIV constructive signifies that an individual is extra vulnerable to different sicknesses and illnesses, however as we uncover increasingly more details about how the HIV spreads and impacts the physique, there's a fairly excessive lifestyle to be anticipated even for carriers.
three. Singapore used to deport HIV-constructive foreigners – however not anymore
No entry no extra
Because the discovery of HIV on the world stage within the 80s, Singapore carried out a complete ban on foreigners with HIV (no visiting Haw Par Villa or Sentosa for them).
So why the draconian measure? Again within the day, HIV was newly found, and extra importantly, it had no recognized remedy – it nonetheless has no recognized remedy, however extra of that later.
In recent times, we've been capable of management and suppress the virus (although not eradicate it absolutely from the physique), which explains a extra tolerant stance of Singapore lately.
Nevertheless, it is very important notice that solely the brief time period guests are allowed to go to. These with long run passes are nonetheless subjected to this ban.
Requires much more tolerance are being made and we might see the ban lifted completely sooner or later.
four. HIV sufferers should purchase insurance coverage – simply not in Singapore (but)
I am going to take 2 insurance policies please
I’ll take 2 insurance policies please
One of many titans within the insurance coverage world (Prudential) made information late in 2015 by being the primary firm to supply insurance policy to HIV sufferers.
“With advances within the profitable remedy of individuals with HIV, we at the moment are capable of supply this inhabitants the chance to use for all times insurance coverage—a milestone we see as a big step in the proper course,” stated Mike McFarland, vice chairman, underwriting for Prudential Particular person Life Insurance coverage
That’s nice – in case you are dwelling in america. As of now, Prudential Singapore doesn't supply any such plan or protection for HIV sufferers.
In Singapore, insurance coverage protection usually excludes HIV infections and its signs. For people who do, the insurance policies present some restricted protection nevertheless it solely consists of transmission by way of well being care work, not by way of sexually transmitted means. (which accounts for almost one hundred% of the tactic of transmission right here in Singapore)
However don’t lose hope.
The newly minted CPF Medishield Life covers HIV sufferers and their medical claims (HIV associated or in any other case), although at a better premium.
It might simply be a matter of time earlier than the personal insurers get in on the act as nicely.
5. Probability of encountering a HIV affected person in Singapore: 1 in 826
Spot the primary character
Spot the primary character
As of Ministry rely in 2014, there have been about 6685 Singapore residents recognized with HIV. Provided that our inhabitants is about 5.5 million give or take, which means there's one individual amongst 826 that's carrying the virus.
For the primary 10 months of 2015, there was a complete of 380 new instances of HIV reported. In virtually all of the instances, the virus was acquired by way of sexual transmission – 38% heterosexual, 50% gay, 10% bisexual.
Should you didn’t know already, use a condom in the event you interact in dangerous sexual exercise. (and we don’t imply doing the soiled on a tightrope)
6. HIV Sufferers can have youngsters
Sure, it's completely potential
Sure, it's completely attainable
We will hear you screaming “whaaaaat” from method again right here. Settle down, and take a second. Sure, its attainable. Allow us to state it out right here.
HIV sufferers can have a child. With out undue danger of transmitting the virus to the kid. This works each methods for males and feminine virus carriers.
For positively recognized females, there's medicine obtainable to suppress the danger of transmission to the child (underneath 1% probability).
For the positively recognized males, there are procedures to take away the HIV virus from the semen – making transmission to the infant inconceivable.
Life finds a approach.
7. Medical advances are getting us nearer to a practical remedy
This could possibly be a actuality quickly. Thrilling occasions!
This might be a actuality quickly. Thrilling occasions!
Whereas there's nonetheless no recognized remedy for HIV, we do know alot concerning the roadblocks to the remedy – and therefore researchers can decide aside and take away them.
The rationale HIV is so exhausting to deal with is as a result of it virtually performs disguise and seeks with us within the physique. The virus can “deactivate” after which go right into a dormant state within the physique – rendering it virtually unattainable to seek out, and thus to destroy.
Step one of the best way appears to be creating brokers which might be able to awakening – and thus discovering the situation of the virus, which makes destruction a lot simpler.
The second step can also be determining easy methods to make the treatment “stay” within the physique lengthy sufficient in order that it catches these viruses nonetheless enjoying the cover and search recreation.
With annually that passes, new discoveries proceed to be made and we might at some point be in possession of an actual, useful remedy to this dreaded virus.
We hope this text sheds a brand new mild and a brand new perspective on what we all know as HIV.
We aren't speaking about ERP right here, however fairly HIV.
Ever since its discovery on the world stage within the Nineteen Eighties, HIV has continued to plague us for lack of a recognized remedy.
We go on a deep dive to uncover some 7 of an important but shocking issues we might not find out about HIV in Singapore.
1. Being HIV constructive doesn't imply AIDS
Similar similar, however totally different?
Similar similar, however totally different?
For the longest time, HIV was synonymous with AIDS. What's the distinction between these two, aside from their spelling?
For one, HIV refers back to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which is a virus. Very similar to one of many 200 viruses that may trigger a chilly. (In reality one of many signs of HIV is flu).
AIDS, nevertheless, refers to a state of a human physique which is rendered so weak and thus unable to battle off many widespread sicknesses (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrom).
HIV was lumped along with AIDS as an inseparable and interchangeable pair, however consider AIDS as a late, late stage of a HIV an infection.
Today, with early remedy, most individuals with HIV won't purchase AIDS. It's because their immune system may be stored bolstered with common medical care, a lot in order that AIDS won't set in.
2. A HIV constructive individual can have a comparatively regular life
Enterprise as ordinary, a run within the park
Oh, the wonders of scientific advances! Today, being recognized with HIV not equates to an automated dying sentence.
The life expectancy of HIV carriers continues to extend, and a research has proven that for younger individuals (if recognized and handled early), their life expectancy is properly into their 70s.
In fact, being HIV constructive signifies that an individual is extra vulnerable to different sicknesses and illnesses, however as we uncover increasingly more details about how the HIV spreads and impacts the physique, there's a fairly excessive lifestyle to be anticipated even for carriers.
three. Singapore used to deport HIV-constructive foreigners – however not anymore
No entry no extra
Because the discovery of HIV on the world stage within the 80s, Singapore carried out a complete ban on foreigners with HIV (no visiting Haw Par Villa or Sentosa for them).
So why the draconian measure? Again within the day, HIV was newly found, and extra importantly, it had no recognized remedy – it nonetheless has no recognized remedy, however extra of that later.
In recent times, we've been capable of management and suppress the virus (although not eradicate it absolutely from the physique), which explains a extra tolerant stance of Singapore lately.
Nevertheless, it is very important notice that solely the brief time period guests are allowed to go to. These with long run passes are nonetheless subjected to this ban.
Requires much more tolerance are being made and we might see the ban lifted completely sooner or later.
four. HIV sufferers should purchase insurance coverage – simply not in Singapore (but)
I am going to take 2 insurance policies please
I’ll take 2 insurance policies please
One of many titans within the insurance coverage world (Prudential) made information late in 2015 by being the primary firm to supply insurance policy to HIV sufferers.
“With advances within the profitable remedy of individuals with HIV, we at the moment are capable of supply this inhabitants the chance to use for all times insurance coverage—a milestone we see as a big step in the proper course,” stated Mike McFarland, vice chairman, underwriting for Prudential Particular person Life Insurance coverage
That’s nice – in case you are dwelling in america. As of now, Prudential Singapore doesn't supply any such plan or protection for HIV sufferers.
In Singapore, insurance coverage protection usually excludes HIV infections and its signs. For people who do, the insurance policies present some restricted protection nevertheless it solely consists of transmission by way of well being care work, not by way of sexually transmitted means. (which accounts for almost one hundred% of the tactic of transmission right here in Singapore)
However don’t lose hope.
The newly minted CPF Medishield Life covers HIV sufferers and their medical claims (HIV associated or in any other case), although at a better premium.
It might simply be a matter of time earlier than the personal insurers get in on the act as nicely.
5. Probability of encountering a HIV affected person in Singapore: 1 in 826
Spot the primary character
Spot the primary character
As of Ministry rely in 2014, there have been about 6685 Singapore residents recognized with HIV. Provided that our inhabitants is about 5.5 million give or take, which means there's one individual amongst 826 that's carrying the virus.
For the primary 10 months of 2015, there was a complete of 380 new instances of HIV reported. In virtually all of the instances, the virus was acquired by way of sexual transmission – 38% heterosexual, 50% gay, 10% bisexual.
Should you didn’t know already, use a condom in the event you interact in dangerous sexual exercise. (and we don’t imply doing the soiled on a tightrope)
6. HIV Sufferers can have youngsters
Sure, it's completely potential
Sure, it's completely attainable
We will hear you screaming “whaaaaat” from method again right here. Settle down, and take a second. Sure, its attainable. Allow us to state it out right here.
HIV sufferers can have a child. With out undue danger of transmitting the virus to the kid. This works each methods for males and feminine virus carriers.
For positively recognized females, there's medicine obtainable to suppress the danger of transmission to the child (underneath 1% probability).
For the positively recognized males, there are procedures to take away the HIV virus from the semen – making transmission to the infant inconceivable.
Life finds a approach.
7. Medical advances are getting us nearer to a practical remedy
This could possibly be a actuality quickly. Thrilling occasions!
This might be a actuality quickly. Thrilling occasions!
Whereas there's nonetheless no recognized remedy for HIV, we do know alot concerning the roadblocks to the remedy – and therefore researchers can decide aside and take away them.
The rationale HIV is so exhausting to deal with is as a result of it virtually performs disguise and seeks with us within the physique. The virus can “deactivate” after which go right into a dormant state within the physique – rendering it virtually unattainable to seek out, and thus to destroy.
Step one of the best way appears to be creating brokers which might be able to awakening – and thus discovering the situation of the virus, which makes destruction a lot simpler.
The second step can also be determining easy methods to make the treatment “stay” within the physique lengthy sufficient in order that it catches these viruses nonetheless enjoying the cover and search recreation.
With annually that passes, new discoveries proceed to be made and we might at some point be in possession of an actual, useful remedy to this dreaded virus.
We hope this text sheds a brand new mild and a brand new perspective on what we all know as HIV.
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