2006-11-29 08:34:45 · 15 answers · asked by Lil bit 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
Absolutely possible. I know several people who had HIV and didn't know it for years.
Also, there are *NO* symptoms specific to HIV-infection. Yes, there have been reports of severe flu-like symptoms but not everybody has that and, even if they did, it couldn't be relied upon to make a diagnosis of HIV infection. The only way to tell you have HIV is to have a specific medical test which specifically tests for HIV.
Chances are, if someone has severe flu-like symptoms, they have the flu. HIV does not cause sore throats. It doesn't cause body aches. It doesn't cause any sort of rash at all.
2006-11-29 09:48:31 · answer #1 · answered by BubbaB 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible to go that long, and longer, and not know. Some people remain quite healthy for extended periods of time and have (or seem to have) no reason to suspect that they need testing. They look healthy, they feel fine, so they think they are fine.
If you or anyone you've come into contact with has been having unsafe sex, then this is all the more reason to get tested, then get re-tested in six months to confirm that you have not "converted" into being HIV-positive.
Then, all the while during and this re-test waiting period and ever after, insist on using condoms EVERY TIME (and other barrier methods when sexually active). If you need help on how to use them properly, Planned Parenthood or you local health clinic or health department would be glad to teach you.
2006-11-29 18:49:05 · answer #2 · answered by answerme 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, that is possible. People who are HIV positive can have no symptoms of being sick at all. And they can stay HIV positive for around 10 years or so, after which they develop AIDS. The only way to find out if a person is HIV positive or not is to get himself/herself tested.
2006-11-29 16:38:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe doctors and scientists have determined that you can have HIV for years before getting positive results on a test and without symptoms.
Check out the Center for Disease Control or www.webmd.com.
2006-11-29 16:37:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is why aids has spread so far so fast. You can have HIV and feel normal and look normal. It is only after the disease progresses for usually years that you develop aids and that is why it is so important to get tested if having unprotected sex and sex with multiple partners.
2006-11-29 16:38:31 · answer #5 · answered by bess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it can take HIV up to 10 years to even show any signs that someone might have it, so yes it is possible to have it for three years and not know it
2006-11-29 16:37:19 · answer #6 · answered by sevenandahalf7 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure on this kind of thing, i mean i'm only a student. but i think you get prelonged cold/flu like symptoms, white things around the side of your tounge and other stuff,
BUT DONT TAKE MY WORD
maybe check of a website, type symptoms of HIV in a search engine and see what come up
good luck
2006-11-29 16:39:05 · answer #7 · answered by Rambo 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
HIV can be in your system forever and not show any symptoms. Your best bet is to go get tested.
2006-11-29 16:36:52 · answer #8 · answered by TC 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HIV is a retrovirus. This means it is opportunistic and may lay dormant for, yes, three years without causing you any symptoms.
2006-11-29 16:37:14 · answer #9 · answered by Lucan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, that can happen as far as I know. Many HIV positive people are very healthy.
2006-11-29 16:36:49 · answer #10 · answered by ixi26c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋