Are you worried about being HIV positive? Are you experiencing symptoms such as an unexplained rash? What is HIV anyways?
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. This makes a person more prone to other infections and diseases. HIV is spread through certain bodily fluids and is primarily transmitted by unprotected sex or needle sharing.
There is currently no cure for HIV; however, HIV medications allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives and can even prevent transmitting HIV to sexual partners.
What are the Symptoms of HIV?
The symptoms of HIV vary from patient to patient and do not always present in the same way. Within 2 – 4 weeks, flu-like symptoms may occur.
These symptoms can include:
Sore throat
Chills
Fever
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes
These symptoms may last a few days to several weeks. However, some patients may not present with any symptoms at all in this early stage of HIV.
When and Where Should I Get Tested for HIV?
Do not assume you have HIV based only on your symptoms. If you think you may have been exposed or are unsure, get an HIV test. The best place to start is with your primary care doctor. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor.
If you do not have a primary care doctor or are concerned about healthcare coverage, you can search online for “free HIV testing centers.” Or go to an Urgent Care Center.
Another option is to buy a home test kit. You can find these tests online or at your pharmacy. Be sure to purchase a test kit that is approved by the FDA.
These kits will either be a blood test in which you prick your finger to obtain a drop of blood or a rapid oral test that will give you results in around 20 minutes.
How does an HIV test work?
There are several different ways that testing looks for HIV. HIV tests are typically performed off blood or oral fluid.
Some tests look for the virus through antibodies and antigens. Antibodies are produced by your immune system when it is exposed to a virus. Antigens are foreign substances that activate your immune system’s response. Most tests will have results back within a few days.
No HIV test can detect the virus immediately after exposure. If you suspect that you have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
The time between exposure and when a test can tell for certain whether the patient is positive for HIV is called the window period.
You can only be sure you are HIV negative if your most recent test is after the window period. Verifying your test results with a follow-up test is a crucial part of the testing process. The window period varies from test to test and it is important to discuss these details with your doctor.
If you are concerned about exposure to HIV, it is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment with my office, your primary doctor, or an urgent care doctor about getting tested.