I had a possible exposure to HIV 11 weeks ago this thursday. I had a test at 9 weeks and 3 days which came up negative. Obviously I will be having another test at the 12 week mark but just wondered about the following.
At 8 weeks I had acute tonsilitis. If this was a sign of HIV infection and seroconversion would this mean that my body would be making antibodies and that the test at 9.5 weeks should have picked it up. In other words can i assume that the tonsilitis was just that and not in fact a symptom of HIV infection.
I have read that normally signs of infection appear within 5 weeks of contact. is this true?
Also does anyone know the percentage of those who show negative at 9.5 weeks but positive at 12?
Am worrying myself stupid here so would be grateful for anyone who can put my mind at rest.
Many thanks
2006-11-07 02:01:13 · 7 answers · asked by seriousquestion25 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
Ok, relax. I'm going to lay it out for you. If you had a test at 9 weeks, then I'm fairly confident you are negative.
The average time it takes for someone to develop detectable antibodies on an HIV Elisa test is 25 days. 94% of people have detectable antibodies after 56 days of infection. 97% of people have detectable antibodies after 90 days of infection. The remaining 3% can take up to six months mainly because they have an immune system disorder (leukemia, etc.).
I volunteer at an HIV testing clinic. I will tell you that everyone I have seen was detectable anywhere from 2 weeks to 8 weeks post exposure. Make sure you are tested via a blood sample rather than oral specimen. The blood test is slightly more accurate.
You cannot diagnose HIV based on symptoms alone...you will drive yourself crazy. A test at 9 weeks is a HUGE indicator that you are almost certainly negative.
Sounds like you probably have tonsillitis. Get some antibiotics and you should be fine.
This is a valuable lesson for you. Be careful and always use protection.
2006-11-07 05:04:51 · answer #1 · answered by HIV/STD Specialist 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Seroconversion means that the blood is starting to make antibodies so yes, if you were ill and then had the HIV test any antibodies would have shown up. Most people make antibodies well before the 12 week period but testing is recommended at 12 weeks because that ensures that people will have a chance to develop antibodies if they are going to.
You say that you were 'possibly' exposed to HIV 11 weeks ago and I'm guessing that you had an episode of unprotected sex with no definite proof of HIV status of your partner. Try and stay calm, your fear and anxiety will make you feel unwell. Remember that much less than 1% of the population of the UK is HIV positive so it is unlikely that your partner was HIV+. (not to say that we can all have unprotected sex because we like the odds!)
Check out this website - it's THE authority on HIV/AIDS -the more you know the less you will fear. Knowledge is power!
2006-11-07 03:04:23 · answer #2 · answered by NORSE-MAN 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The window period for HIV is 3 months. I would encourage you to test asap, then at 2 months and again at 3 month and for total peace of mind retest at 4 months. If you were sernconverting it will usually show up between 30 and 90 days.
2016-05-22 07:19:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask a doctor, the answers on here won't be reliable enough..but yeah i see your point, if your tonsilitis was brought on by HIV then im sure your test would have been positive. But also, your tonsilitis may not have been brought on by it at all..Personally, I reckon you're gonna be fine, you had your test at 2 months that's pretty long, maybe the 3 month mark is just to be extra careful..good luck x x
2006-11-07 02:09:10 · answer #4 · answered by pseudoname 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Definitely talk to a Nurse Practitioner at your local STD clinic. They're much more approachable and honest than Doctors. The HIV virus would usually show up at nine weeks, unless it had been particularly sluggish in getting about. I realise you must be going mad, there is nothing anyone can say to appease your situation. The important thing to remember is that HIV is not a death sentence- it often leads to people living much more healthy, responsible and enjoyable lives. I know lots of young friends who have HIV, and after an initial period where they felt completely lost they're now sorted and healthy. Much healthier than me in fact!
2006-11-07 02:15:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Tonsilitis is not a sign of seroconversion. One of my best girlfriends is HIV positive, and has been for several years, and is very rarely ever sick with a cold or tonsilitis or even things like ear infections. Stop being so paranoid and get into some sort of therapy.
2006-11-07 02:16:39 · answer #6 · answered by sovereign_carrie 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
yes u showed do ellisa test
2006-11-07 07:45:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋