While most 26-year-olds are preoccupied with their budding careers and planning for the future, John (not his real name) is grappling with more pressing concerns. Diagnosed with Aids, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, about two years ago, he now spends a large part of his life - and his pay - managing his condition on the quiet.

"Until now, I'm still not entirely sure how I contracted it," he said.

When he found out, he had been in a monogamous relationship for 41/2 years. However, he suspects that he may have been infected before then. His male partner, luckily, has tested negative for HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus that causes Aids.

He recalled how on Dec 9, 2006, he received a call from a male friend who was worried that he was HIV positive. Offering to accompany his friend for an anonymous test, he took one too and was told the results 30 minutes later. As he was found to be in the Aids stage of the condition he was advised to start medication immediately.

"When I received the news, I ran away from the DSC clinic in Kelantan Lane and was in a daze most of the day until I found myself sitting by the Singapore River," he said.

He remained there until two in the morning, worrying over how to tell his family and how he was going to be able to pay for the treatments, which he knew were expensive.

"It really seemed like a death sentence at the time," he said. "I thought of killing myself."

He decided to keep the news from his family and colleagues and told his partner only. Together they began researching the disease and how best to manage it.

A friend recommended a clinic in Malaysia where he could seek treatment anonymously. He prefers not to be on record in the health system here. Since then, he has been going to Malaysia for check-ups and flies to Bangkok two to three times a year to buy his medication.

Instead of the estimated $800 a month he would spend here, he pays $290 a month for the generic brand drugs he buys in Thailand.

Beyond the savings, it is the anonymity of overseas treatment that he appreciates.

"I would be more open if the law was more protective of people like me," he said.

He added that he does not see the point in being "just another statistic" in the Singapore system, without there being any benefits to it.

One of his biggest fears is losing his job if his employers should find out he has Aids. He quit his previous high-paying job in marketing last year when he found out that he had to have a health check-up before being confirmed.

He has since switched companies and although he still works in the same line, he now earns 40 per cent less. His current employers have not asked for a health examination to confirm his position.

He said he hides his condition from his current colleagues as he has had bad experiences in the past when he tried to bring up the subject.

He had tried asking colleagues how they felt about HIV-positive people and was disappointed to learn that they were largely disapproving and very judgmental. Some even called those with HIV "stupid people" for contracting the condition.

He said that he received a similar reaction from his parents when he tried broaching the subject at home. While he did come out to them about his sexuality a few years ago, his parents still think of HIV as a "gay disease" and he fears their reaction should he tell them.

His parents have noticed his pill-boxes and medication but he has dodged their suspicions by saying that he takes a lot of vitamins.

"They think I'm a health nut," he said.

He takes 20 to 30 different pills every day, including supplements, and said some of the drugs still produce side effects like nightmares and insomnia. He accepts full responsibility for his status but said that he does not dwell on his past actions.

One thing he is thankful for is the support of his partner.

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