You’ve received a non-reactive HIV result. What next?
Do I need to test again?
If you had a recent risky exposure, you should test again after 90 days (3 months) after that exposure.
If your last risky exposure was over 3 months ago or you have low risk of exposure, you do not need to test again.
If you are at ongoing risk of exposure, a regular testing regimen (instead of testing after every exposure) may be more appropriate.
How often should I test?
You should test at least once a year if you:
- Have multiple sexual partners
- Are taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Exchange sex for money, or have sex with someone who does
- Engage in sexual activity under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or have sex with someone who does
- Engage in injection drug use, or have sex with someone who does
- Have sex with a person living with HIV whose viral load is above the limit of detection
More frequent retesting (every 3–6 months) may be warranted based on individual risk factors (e.g. multiple new sexual partners of unknown HIV status).
Source: National HIV Programme HIV Testing Recommendations (2021)
How do I protect myself against HIV?
- Condoms
- Condoms are highly effective in preventing the spread of HIV and other STIs
- You can get a box of 144 condoms for a $20 donation to AfA, or pick some up for free at our regular ATS/MTS sessions
- PrEP
- HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is medication that reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use
- When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV
- If you require a referral to DSC Clinic or NCID for a PrEP consultation, please fill in this form
- You can also get PrEP from NUH, CGH, or private GPs
- PEP
- HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is emergency medication that is taken to prevent HIV after a possible exposure
- It must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV, then taken for 28 days
- You can get PEP from DSC Clinic, hospital A&Es, or private GPs
- Regular Testing
- Regular testing improves the chances of early detection, which means that you can get treated as soon as possible
- HIV treatment can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load) to very low levels (undetectable viral load), usually within six months
- People with an undetectable viral load can live long, healthy lives, and cannot transmit HIV through condomless sex
Where can I get tested for other STIs?
You can make an appointment with DSC Clinic or private GPs for more comprehensive STI screening.
What if I have symptoms?
If you have any symptoms that you are concerned about, please visit a medical professional.