I'm not sure if anyone can answer this and I don't want to ask him since it's obviously a touchy subject. But how could he not have known he was hix poitive before he was diagnosed with aids? I don't get it. he started loosing a lot of weight like a year ago. He's 29 years old now and I wonder how long he has had this. do you think maybe he knew and just wasn't telling anyone?
2007-12-15 12:41:37 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
This is one reason AIDS is so dangerous... it likes to "hide" in its host.... The virus lives, multiples, and often is passed on because it shows no obvious symptoms at first. Then when symptoms do appear they are quite insidious and often thought to be nothing more than the flu or a rash.... He may not have know... Or he may have been in denial... Either way, he needs you right now and I do hope you'll be there for him. Maybe - when he is ready - he'll talk to you about how he got it. Best wishes...
2007-12-15 15:05:39 · answer #1 · answered by KaseyT33 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
HIV-negative: no antibodies have been produced. HIV-positive: antibodies have been produced after infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). To help eliminate the risk of a false-positive HIV screening test, a confirmatory test (Western Blot) is run. If the result of the WB is inconclusive, an HIV RNA PCR (viral load) may be run as well. AIDS: when an HIV-positive person's CD4+ (a specific type of white blood cell) count falls below 200 / ml. The term "full-blown AIDS" isn't used anymore, as there's no such thing as a person with "half-blown" AIDS. Once a person is diagnosed with AIDS, that person carries the diagnosis forever, even if the CD4+ count rises over 200 / ml. And, contrary to the others' answers, many, many people are living longer than 2-3 years after being diagnosed.
2016-05-24 03:21:22 · answer #2 · answered by kecia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He could have not known, because HIV has NO outward symptoms. The symptoms people talk about (weight loss, Kapasoi's Sarcoma, swollen lymph nodes, etc.) generally only show up in later stages of the disease.
Unfortunately, many people have a strong idea that they may be HIV+, but thanks to social stigmitization, refuse to get tested. And, many who do go for the test don't go back for the result.
Also, despite current treatments, some people who are aware that they are HIV+ don't go to the doctor or don't take the medication.
Now that you know about your brother the best thing you can do for him is to be there for him and offer moral support. There is no chance of you catching the disease from casual contact - hugging, sharing dishes, sharing living quarters/bathroom.
Educate yourself. Protect yourself. Depsite butterfly's assertions, a "life style" doesn't make a person more or less susceptible to catching HIV. Any and every one can catch this disease.
2007-12-15 16:13:46 · answer #3 · answered by Charles K 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
perhaps he did know and just didn't want to tell the family
it's also a possibility he didn't know....people with HIV often have no sypmptoms feel completely fine and healthy and if not tested can live years without having any idea they have anything wrong with them...AIDS is when you start getting sick. perhaps he never knew he had HIV and then he got sick...but didn't go to the doctor right away (as many people don't) and when he finally got worried enough to go he already had full blown AIDS.
Unfortunately with out asking your brother directly you will NEVER know for certain.
do you know you have genital herpes? perhaps your brother feels there's no way you could of not known this?
2007-12-15 16:04:26 · answer #4 · answered by Jane 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can be HIV positive with few or no symptoms for quite awhile. The weight loss and other symptoms may have been attributed to other things.
He may also have been denying that he was sick and avoiding the diagnosis, and he may have known for some time and just didn't know how to tell anyone.
2007-12-15 12:46:52 · answer #5 · answered by Dan H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe he didnt know what was happening or think it was happening to him.if you start getting weaker and more tired then every,is the first conclusion is HIV?or maybe he was embarrased.or in deep denial that he was in serious damage and in his life time maybe never see a cure.you know family guy and his full blown aids song? well your brother should have active as he acted,he is a human,not a perfect being.
2007-12-15 12:48:33 · answer #6 · answered by freakytoad53 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible he did not know. So people don't like to go to Doctors. Sorry. Sound like he started to get really sick only a year ago. No. I think if he knew he would have said something plus you would have notice all the medications he was taking.
2007-12-15 12:59:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people show no symptoms. They say it can be for 8-10 years, but now I believe it can last 20 years before someone shows symptoms.
I'm sorry about your brother. Happy Hoildays!
2007-12-15 12:45:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were HIV positive I wouldn't tell anyone because I'd be embarrassed and gross out. Luckily I don't have a lifestyle that'll lead to an STD.
He more than likely knew. People go to doctors when something comes up. However from my understanding you can have HIV and not know.
In my opinion he knew and didn't want to tell anyone.
He needs to call every person he was sexually involved with and let them know. Legally he has to tell any person from now on as well. He can go to jail if he doesn't.
2007-12-15 12:48:25 · answer #9 · answered by Music 7 · 1⤊ 4⤋
some times it becomes AIDs very fast. my friend died fast when he had it. by the time he got checked he was full blown AIDS. he seemed normal and even when he started getting sick, and loosing weight, he thought it was something else. who thinks of AIDS right off the bat when they get sick?
2007-12-15 14:49:44 · answer #10 · answered by old bitty 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋