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Testing Signs for HIV

The misconception that it is easy to know, based on physical appearance or other factors, if someone is HIV-positive, unfortunately persists. In reality, the only way to know your HIV status is to be tested. HIV screening is simple. It can be low-cost or free and there are a number of sites where one can be tested.

  1. Acute HIV Infection

    • Between two and four weeks after contracting HIV, some people develop a flu-like illness. According to HIV-symptoms.info, symptoms include fever, headache, aches and pains, swollen glands, fatigue and stomach troubles.

      The important thing to understand about this stage of flu-like illness associated with acute HIV infection is that it is non-diagnostic. This means that, even if one saw a doctor about these symptoms, these symptoms are themselves not enough to reach a diagnosis of HIV. This is why it is important to be tested for HIV if you believe you may have been exposed.

    Exposure

    • HIV must cross the body's blood barrier in sufficient concentration to trigger an infection. For adolescents and adults in the developed world, unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal and oral) and sharing hypodermic needles are the means of exposure.

      Outside the developed world, where donated blood products and organs cannot be or are not screened for HIV, adults may be exposed to HIV through fluid and organ donation. Children anywhere may be exposed to HIV because their mother is HIV-positive (through pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding).

      If you believe you have been exposed to HIV, speak with a physician or HIV testing counselor to determine your risk as well as the appropriateness of testing.

    Seroconversion

    • Most HIV tests rely on the presence of antibodies to HIV to determine the virus's presence in the patient. Developing a detectable level of antibodies to HIV (or other infection) is called seroconversion. After contracting the virus, most people seroconvert within the first month. However, this may take between three and six months.

      An antibody test for HIV performed less than one month after exposure is highly unlikely to return a true positive, so it is important to be screened after one month's time has elapsed after possible exposure. An HIV testing counselor will be able to help you determine if you should be screened again if you tested negative based on the date of your last possible exposure to HIV.

      RNA tests are available that do not rely on the presence of antibodies but rather screen directly for the presence of viral genetic material. These can provide an accurate result within two weeks after possible exposure. However, these are more costly and complicated than antibody tests and so are less widely available.

    Regular Screening

    • For many adults, including everyone who is sexually active as well as others who engage in risk behaviors for contracting HIV, it is appropriate to elect regular screening for HIV. Regular screening means being tested once every six months for HIV.

      HIVTest.org (see Resources below) can help you locate a testing site in your area. This website also provides information about what specific tests are available at that site and which centers provide free testing.

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