Living with HIV in the Philippines: Signs and Symptoms of HIV

Good evening po, ano po ang mga sintomas ng HIV? Magkano po ang pagpapatest? thank you

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi there.

Thank you for your email. Thank you for finding and reading the blog.

Now to answer your questions, first, HIV has non specific symptoms. Initially after the unprotected sex or other means of transmission, there will be flu like symptoms which will last for a week, after which there no symptoms will be observed by anyone. This period of no symptoms may last from 5 years to 10 years depending on how the immune system of the body reacts to the virus or how aggressive the strain of the virus is in replicating.

Now when the immune system becomes so depressed because of the virus, the person may be prone to opportunistic infections or infections that normally don't cause havoc to one's health but due to the weakened immune system, these infections come out and become deadly infections. The symptoms now depends on what type of infections affect the person.

Regarding your second question, the government clinics and hospitals usually provide free HIV tests or around P500 at least. The private clinics' HIV tests usually range from P1,000 to P1,500. You may refer to the link below for the clinics:

HIV Testing Centers in the Philippines

HIV Testing Metro Manila

RITM Satellite Clinic

Icon Clinic Quezon City

Marikina Social Hygiene Clinic

Klinika Bernardo Quezon City

If you have other questions, please do call our Hotline Numbers below:

0919-642-9286

0977-131-2046

0906-389-2402

0917-899-0473

0927-823-0300