HIV

Symptoms

In acute infection (2–4 weeks after exposure) a flu-like illness may occur: fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, rash, muscle pain. Many people have no symptoms or only mild ones. In the chronic phase there may be no symptoms for years. As immunity declines, opportunistic infections and weight loss may appear. Having no symptoms does not mean there is no infection.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made with serological and molecular tests. Combined antigen/antibody tests (4th generation) are the most widely used. A positive screening test is confirmed with a confirmatory test (Western blot or nucleic acid test). The window period depends on the test type; for antigen/antibody tests it is usually 18–45 days. A negative result should be repeated at an appropriate time after a risky exposure.

In pregnancy, an HIV test is recommended at the first prenatal visit. If there is risk, it is repeated in the third trimester and at delivery. Other STIs (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B and C) should be assessed at the same time.

Treatment and prevention

HIV treatment (ART) is not provided at the clinic. If the result is positive, the patient is referred to an appropriate centre for antiretroviral treatment and follow-up. Treatment started early preserves the CD4 count, lowers the viral load and reduces infectiousness (U=U: an undetectable viral load prevents sexual transmission).

Prevention options:

• Using condoms
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): antiretrovirals taken daily or as an injection by people at risk
• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): short-term treatment started within 72 hours after a risky exposure
• Regular testing
• With ART in pregnancy, the risk of mother-to-baby transmission falls below 1%

PrEP and PEP are planned at appropriate centres. HIV treatment or PrEP/PEP is not started at SoftCare; a referral is made.

Pregnancy

In pregnancy, HIV testing and treatment largely prevent mother-to-baby transmission. In pregnant women who are on treatment and have an undetectable viral load, a caesarean section is not mandatory. Breastfeeding is assessed individually. In pregnant women who test positive, obstetrics and infectious diseases manage care together.

Our approach at SoftCare

At SoftCare Clinic, HIV assessment begins with a gynaecological history and risk assessment. The screening test (antigen/antibody) is done at a partner laboratory. If the result is positive, a referral for confirmation is arranged. HIV treatment, PrEP and PEP are not provided at the clinic; patients are referred to appropriate centres. Tests for other STIs can be planned at the same time. If there is a pregnancy, management is adjusted accordingly. Confidentiality is essential. Notification obligations are fulfilled.

Appointments: +90 212 241 30 10 · softcareclinic.com

References

• 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HIV Testing. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html
• 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preexposure Prophylaxis for the Prevention of HIV Infection in the United States—2021 Update.
• 3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Recommendations for the Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in Pregnant Women with HIV Infection.
• 4. World Health Organization (WHO). HIV. Fact sheet.
• 5. T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı, Halk Sağlığı Genel Müdürlüğü (Ministry of Health of Türkiye, General Directorate of Public Health). HIV/AIDS.
• 6. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Screening for HIV Infection. Recommendation statement.
• 7. Merck Manual Professional Edition. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection.
• Note: Testing algorithms, PrEP/PEP indications and management in pregnancy are updated by the physician according to current national and international guidelines. This reference list is for information only.

Listing a source does not mean SoftCare wrote that text.

Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus, Obstetrician & Gynecologist · Last medical review: 2 October 2026