HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is no longer a death sentence — that’s a fact. While there was a lack of treatment options in the past, especially in the early days of the epidemic, people living with HIV can now lead long and even healthy lives with early detection and proper treatment. However, although HIV is more manageable now than before, the rising number of cases in the Philippines remains alarming, particularly as more young people are testing positive.

Among countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines has been reported to have the fastest-growing number of HIV cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2025 alone, around 252,800 Filipinos are estimated to be living with HIV. The number of new cases has surged from 4,400 in 2010 to 29,600 in 2024 — an alarming increase of approximately 550%, per WHO’s report.

It's true that HIV is now manageable, much like other chronic illnesses. Unlike in the past, it is no longer considered a life-threatening disease, unless left untreated. Unfortunately, due to persistent stigma, many people still refuse to get tested. That’s why proper knowledge and awareness are more important than ever.

In this article, we've compiled some common symptoms of HIV and listed testing centers across the country where you can get tested.

What Is HIV?

HIV primarily targets the body’s white blood cells, weakening the immune system. With the immune system targeted, the body is now more susceptible to life-threatening diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis, skin infections, pneumonia, and — in some cases — cancer. If HIV is left untreated, it can eventually lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) over time, which is a more advanced stage of HIV, making the body more vulnerable to certain health conditions.

Contrary to hearsay and unfounded claims, HIV cannot be spread through shared utensils and food, kissing, or casual contact such as handshakes and hugging. It is, however, transmitted through specific bodily fluids like blood, breast milk, semen, rectal fluids, and vaginal fluids. This can occur through unprotected sexual contact (both anal and vaginal), sharing needles (especially for drug injections), or perinatal transmission during childbirth. Unfortunately, HIV can be passed from a mother to her baby. Additionally, while oral sex carries some risk, it is relatively lower compared to anal or vaginal sex.

Common Signs and Symptoms of HIV

The signs and symptoms of HIV vary depending on the person and the stage of infection, according to Mayo Clinic. Symptoms may appear within the first few months after a person is infected, though some remain unaware of their status until the virus has already progressed to a more advanced stage. Some may experience flu-like symptoms within two to four weeks of infection, while others may have no symptoms at all during this period. Symptoms can also appear so mild that one might not notice them or suspect them as signs of HIV. Symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Fever
• Headache
• Cough
• Rash
• Night sweats
• Diarrhea
• Sore throat
• Mouth sores
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Swollen lymph nodes

Is There a Cure for HIV?

Unfortunately, there is still no cure for HIV. However, treatments like antiretroviral therapy (ART) have significantly reduced HIV-related mortality and can prevent the infection from progressing. Thanks to ART, HIV has become a manageable chronic condition, allowing those infected to lead long and healthy lives. This treatment works by lowering the amount of virus in the body (known as the viral load) to the point that it becomes undetectable by standard tests. At that stage, it is considered undetectable, which means the virus cannot be transmitted to others, while also helping those who are infected maintain their health. So yes, people living with HIV can still live normal, healthy lives.

Medicines like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) are also used as preventive methods, though they work in different ways. PrEP is for individuals who do not have HIV but are at high risk of acquiring it. It is typically recommended for those who are sexually active, have a partner living with HIV, or regularly engage in sexual activities without using protection such as condoms. PEP, on the other hand, is taken after a possible recent exposure to HIV. It is recommended for those who may have been exposed to HIV through unprotected sex, shared needles, or in cases of sexual assault.

Apart from preventive methods and practicing safe sex, it is still crucial to know your HIV status so you can take the right steps. That way, you can not only reduce the impact of the virus on your own health but also help prevent its transmission to others.

Here’s Where You Can Get Tested for HIV

Social Hygiene Clinics and Private Health Care Providers

Access to HIV testing centers is crucial for early detection and treatment. While not all hospitals in the country perform HIV tests, there are plenty of hospitals and health facilities that offer HIV testing services both in Manila and in other regions across the Philippines. Some social hygiene clinics also offer free HIV testing services. In the National Capital Region (NCR), in particular, health facilities that offer HIV testing include:

• Lung Center of the Philippines
• Makati Medical Center
• Manila Doctors Hospital
• Philippine General Hospital
• Quezon City General Hospital
• Research Institute for Tropical Medicine
• St. Luke's Medical Center
• San Lazaro Hospital
• The Medical City
• East Avenue Medical Center
• Klinika Bernardo
• Mandaluyong City Social Hygiene Clinic
• Muntinlupa Reproductive Health & Wellness Clinic
• Taguig Social Hygiene Clinic & Drop-In Center

You may also click this link to check all the HIV testing sites in the Philippines.

NGO Facilities

Besides social hygiene clinics, non-governmental organizations like LoveYourself and Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP) also provide free HIV testing, with the latter offering both testing and treatment through SAIL Clinic in Makati City. LoveYourself, on the other hand, is a community-based HIV/AIDS and sexual health organization in the country, which provides free HIV testing, counseling, treatment, and life coaching. Walk-in visits are welcome, but booking appointments is recommended to ensure availability and reduce waiting time. LoveYourself hubs and clinics include:

• ABE Community Center (Mexico, Pampanga)
• AGAPE Community Center (Capas, Tarlac)
• LoveYourself Anglo (Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City)
• AHF Wellness Center (Caloocan City - North)
• Bagani Community Center (Bacolod City)
• Balay Marvi (Session Road, Baguio City)
• HERO by LoveYourself (Bacoor, Cavite)
• Jefferyi by LoveYourself (Davao City)
• Lily by LoveYourself (Parañaque City)
• LoveYourself Uni (Pasay City)
• LoveYourself Welcome (Sampaloc, City of Manila)
• LoveYourself White House (Cebu City)

You may also visit this link for more information about exact locations, contact details, and availability.

HIV Self-Test Kit

If you want to get tested discreetly for a variety of reasons, self-testing is an ideal option. However, be cautious of bogus and unreliable sellers, especially those found on some online marketplaces. To ensure accuracy and safety, it’s best to purchase HIV self-test kits from reputable sources.

Recommended sites include the HIV test kit Philippines and Pulse Clinic. Both provide certified and reliable testing kits along with guidance on how to use them properly. Always consult a healthcare professional if you receive a reactive result. Results will be available within 10 to 15 minutes.