How are HIV, HCV, HBV and Syphilis Transmission?

These are four infections that can be passed from one person to another through blood or body fluids. Here is a summary of how each infection can be transmitted:

• HIV: HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks the immune system and can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding, or exposure to infected blood or body fluids
• HCV: HCV stands for hepatitis C virus, which infects the liver and can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis or liver cancer. HCV can be transmitted through sharing needles or syringes, exposure to infected blood or body fluids, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or birth, or sexual contact with an infected person.
• HBV: HBV stands for hepatitis B virus, which also infects the liver and can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis or liver cancer. HBV can be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, exposure to infected blood or body fluids, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding, or contact with infected objects such as razors or toothbrushes.
• Syphilis: Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can affect various organs and systems in the body. It can cause sores, rashes, fever and damage to the brain, heart and nerves if untreated. Syphilis can be transmitted through sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or birth, or exposure to infected blood or body fluids.

What are the symptoms of HIV, HCV, HBV and SYPHILIS (STD/STI)?

These are four infections that can cause various signs and symptoms in the body. Here is a summary of the symptoms of each infection:

• HIV: HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks the immune system and can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The symptoms of HIV vary depending on the stage of infection. In the early stage, some people may experience a flu-like illness within 2 to 4 weeks after exposure, with symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches. This is called acute HIV infection. In the chronic stage, some people may have no symptoms for many years, while others may have persistent or recurrent infections or other conditions related to a weakened immune system. This is called asymptomatic or symptomatic HIV infection. In the advanced stage, some people may develop severe infections or cancers that are life-threatening. This is called AIDS.
• HCV: HCV stands for hepatitis C virus, which infects the liver and can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis or liver cancer. The symptoms of HCV vary depending on the phase of infection. In the acute phase, some people may have no symptoms or mild symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). This usually occurs within 6 weeks to 6 months after exposure. In the chronic phase, some people may have no symptoms for many years, while others may develop signs of liver damage such as fatigue, bleeding, bruising, swelling in the legs or abdomen, spider veins on the skin, or confusion. This usually occurs after many years of infection.
• HBV: HBV stands for hepatitis B virus, which also infects the liver and can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis or liver cancer. The symptoms of HBV vary depending on the phase of infection. In the acute phase, some people may have no symptoms or mild symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). This usually occurs within 1 to 4 months after exposure. In the chronic phase, some people may have no symptoms for many years, while others may develop signs of liver damage similar to those of HCV. This usually occurs after 6 months of infection.
• Syphilis: Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can affect various organs and systems in the body. The symptoms of syphilis vary depending on the stage of infection. In the primary stage, some people may develop a painless sore (chancre) at the site of exposure (usually on the genitals, anus or mouth) within 3 weeks after exposure. The sore will heal on its own within 3 to 6 weeks. In the secondary stage, some people may develop a rash that covers the entire body (including the palms and soles), wart-like sores in the mouth or genitals, hair loss, fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes within a few weeks to a few months after exposure. These symptoms may disappear within a few weeks or come and go for up to a year. In the latent stage, some people may have no symptoms for many years. In the tertiary stage, some people may develop severe complications such as damage to the brain (neurosyphilis), eyes (ocular syphilis), heart (cardiovascular syphilis), bones (gummatous syphilis) or other organs within 10 to 30 years after exposure.

How you Prevent yourself from Virology (STD/STI)?

Here are some of the ways to prevent STDs:

• Practice safe sex. Use condoms and dental dams every time you have vaginal, oral or anal sex. Condoms and dental dams can reduce the risk of getting or passing STDs by creating a barrier between you and your partner’s body fluids. Make sure you use them correctly and consistently. You can also use lubricants to prevent condoms from breaking or tearing.
• Limit your number of sexual partners. Having multiple sexual partners increases your chances of being exposed to STDs. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to encounter someone who has an STD. If you have sex with more than one person, make sure you use condoms and dental dams every time and get tested regularly.
• Get tested and treated for STDs. Many STDs do not cause any symptoms or have mild symptoms that can be easily overlooked. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested. You can get tested at a clinic, a doctor’s office, or at home with a kit that you can order online. If you test positive for an STD, get treated as soon as possible. Some STDs can be cured with antibiotics or antiviral medications, while others can be managed with treatment but not cured. Follow your doctor’s instructions and complete the full course of treatment. Do not have sex until you finish your treatment and your doctor tells you it is safe to do so.
• Tell your partner(s) if you have an STD. If you have an STD, it is important to tell your current and recent sexual partner(s) so they can get tested and treated too. This can help prevent reinfection and further spread of the disease. You can tell your partner(s) in person, by phone, by text, or by email. You can also use anonymous notification services that will send a message to your partner(s) without revealing your identity.
• Get vaccinated for certain STDs. There are vaccines available for some STDs, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens ages 11 or 12 (or can start at age 9) and everyone through age 26, if not vaccinated already. HBV vaccination is recommended for all infants at birth and for anyone who is not already immune or infected. Vaccines can protect you from getting or passing these infections to others.

How I can Booking appointment for Virology Package (STD/STI)?

If you want to get tested for STDs, you can book an appointment online from websites or WhatsApp

• Choose the type of Package you want
• Enter your personal details, such as your name, email, phone number, and address. You can also choose a preferred method of communication and payment.
• Select a convenient time and location for your appointment.
• Confirm your booking and pay for your test. You will receive a confirmation email or text with your booking details and instructions on how to prepare for your test.
• Attend your appointment or Choice collect sample at home .
• You will receive your results within a few days by email or phone. Your results will be confidential and secure. You will also have access to counseling and support services if you need them.