How long does it take for HIV to show up in the body?

Question

I haven't dated in 4 years and am completely clean....I think. I was tested 6 months after my last sexual encounter, (so the test was 3 1/2 years ago). Is 6 months the LEAST amount of time it takes for an HIV test to come back positive after having sex? If this is true does it mean that people should only sleep with people who've not had sex in 6 months and only been tested at 6 months from their last sexual encounter? Thank you.

Answer 1

the window period to get an accurate test result is 2 weeks to 6 months. This means that if you were tested (blood test by your doctor) 6 months after your last unprotected sexual encounter, chances are you are safe. These tests have a high sensitivity and specificity at 6 months. I think what others are confusing is the occurance of symptoms versus the ability of the virus to be detected by blood test. While you may not have symptoms of the virus for years or possibly decades, the presence of the virus is detectable within 6 months of infection.
The way the blood testing works, it that when we are infected with the HIV virus, our T cells and B cells (adaptive portion of the immune system) generate antibodies to the antigen (virus). These antibodies circulate in our blood stream and can be detected using ELISA and confirmed using Western Blotting techniques. When tested at 6 WEEKS post infection, there is 92% accuracy. So the 6 month mark is being overly cautious.
In terms of who you should/can sleep with safely, I would highly recommend using protection. If you have sex without sharing bodily fluid, then you decrease you chances of exposure/infection greatly. Besides, there is no guarantee that your partner has been tested. Or that they are disclosing the truth. Please be careful. One night of pleasure is not worth a lifetime stuggle with disease. Protect yourself.

Answer 2

When the lab draws your blood and runs it for testing, they are looking for antibodies that you make when you are exposed to HIV. These are called IgA antibodies, and unfortunatley, they are totally useless. It takes about 6 months for the IgA to be distributed in your blood. Once infected the latency period is 10 years for adults and 18 months for children. You can and usually will be 100% symptom free until that latency period is over. At the 10 year mark HIV is mass released into your bloodstreat and begins to kill all your CD4 and B cells, which control immunity.

Answer 3

HIV can bypass with the aid of a lambskin condom. It should not be waiting to bypass with the aid of a latex condom - i think of somebody is mendacity to you. The precise tips is available online - verify it out, and don't have confidence each thing you're informed. As to how long it takes for the virus to take place in the physique, what do you recommend? How long does it take for the virus to make you sick? Or how long earlier a blood attempt will instruct the presence of antibodies? you may elect to be greater specific.

Answer 4

The HIV Virus can live dorment in the body for ten years or more....... It means that if you are going to have sex then there should be some sort of protection worn during the act..... Better yet do not have sex that way you will be sure not to get the virus.....

Answer 5

The window period is 3 months, but unfortunately the signs and symptoms may not show up in months even years later for most people. So protect yourself at all costs.

Answer 6

I have heard it can take up to 10 years for symptoms to show themselves. I obviously do not have the facts, but be safe anyways.

Answer 7

10. years this can be in your body and not dected go to these sites i am typing in and type in the medical bar . . www. ohiomedicalcenter.com www. dukeedicalcenter.com www.cdc. com www.dukemedicalcenter.com

Answer 8

three months for the antibodies, my guess is your fine.

Answer 9

it can take upto ten years this site will tell you everything you need to know

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/index.htm