If I have symptoms of HIV...?

Question

that are actually caused by the disease, would it defifately show up positive in testing. For example, if i had thrush or rash or muscle pain caused by it, would the test be positive, even early on?

Answer 1

I believe the HIV virus is detectable in blood tests ater about 3-6 months from contracting it.

Answer 2

There are no outward, easily visible symptoms specific to HIV. The only way to know if you have HIV is through a test (blood or otherwise) which specifically tests for HIV.

HIV does not cause rashes nor muscle pain.

There have been reports of severe flu-like symptoms shortly after seroconversion (that is, contracting HIV) but those symptoms can not be relied upon for a diagnosis. Chances are, if you have flu-like symptoms, you have the flu.

HIV tests can show a positive result in as little as 2 weeks after exposure. However, it is recommended that follow-up tests be conducted at 3 and 6 months after possible exposure.

Answer 3

Hello,

If you have been infected with hiv, it would show up on te test. It also depends on what sort of test that was performed.

For-instance, say, a pcr was performed that sort of test looks for actual dna of hiv/aids...while the p24 looks for the antigen which appears before the anitbodies do. An abundance of indviduals will test positive within 4-6 weeks of actual contamination..by an antibody test.

So it depends on what test you have undertaken

Answer 4

On average, it takes about 10 years to develop AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) after becoming infected with HIV. A blood test can detect HIV antibodies (which the body produces if it is infected with HIV) and will determine if you are infected with the virus. HIV antibodies can be detected in your blood three months after you become infected.

How HIV can be transmitted
Some of the ways HIV is transmitted include:

Unprotected anal sex (without a condom) between two males - has a high risk of HIV infection.
Sharing needles, syringes and other injecting equipment - this is a common cause of HIV infection in Australia.
Unprotected anal sex between men and women - the incidence of HIV among this group is low, but slowly increasing.
Blood transfusions and treatment with other blood products - in Australia (between 1980 and May 1985) or in other countries, particularly Africa.
Unprotected sex with male or female sex workers - in countries with a high rate of HIV infection.
Unprotected oral sex (male and female) - has a much lower transmission rate, but infection is possible.
Countries where there is a high rate of HIV infection include Thailand, Cambodia, many African countries, the Caribbean, India, parts of China, and parts of the USA (such as New York and San Francisco).

An increasing risk of HIV infection
You can become infected with HIV even if you participate in a high risk activity only once. However, the more sexual partners you have and the more times you participate in risky activities, the greater your chance of becoming infected with HIV.

It’s best to know if you are infected
If tests show that you are HIV positive, you will be offered:
Further tests - to determine how far the HIV infection has progressed.
Antiviral drugs - to slow the HIV infection and delay the onset of AIDS.
Treatments - to reduce the chance of developing HIV related illnesses, such as a certain type of pneumonia.
Counselling - on changes to lifestyle that improve resistance to illness. For example, diet, exercise, stress reduction, stopping smoking or drug use.
Help to make informed decisions - about relationships, pregnancy, career and other long term plans.
Treatments are sometimes needed early in the course of infection, so early detection is important.

If the HIV antibody test is negative
Follow up counselling can help people at risk to make changes to sexual or drug-taking practices to make sure they stay uninfected.

Preparing for the HIV antibody test
A positive result can lead to feelings of shock, anger, distress and depression. Everybody who is tested should:
First talk to an experienced medical practitioner, counsellor or nurse so they are prepared for a positive test.
Have ongoing counselling if the test is positive.
Be counselled about how to protect sexual partners by avoiding activities that could pass on the virus.
Test results are kept confidential
Under Victorian law, it is unlawful to discriminate against anyone who is HIV infected. Test results, and the fact that you have been tested at all, are kept confidential.

Where to be tested
A blood sample can be taken by:
Your doctor - make sure your doctor has a full understanding of the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Staff working in a government or community health clinic.
The results of the test are usually available within 14 days.

Unless you are at high risk of HIV, a small fee may apply
There is no Medicare rebate for HIV testing. However, people at high risk for HIV will be tested for free, including:
Gay men and men and women who have sex with a high-risk person
Sex workers
Injecting drug users
People with other sexually transmitted diseases - these increase the risk of HIV
Homeless youth.

Answer 5

no. it can take months even years! but definitely get tested better safe then sorry! good luck and god bless:)

Answer 6

just go get tested, and ask the doc while you are there!

Answer 7

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