Can I tell by symptoms if I am HIV positive or not?
Welcome to AID Atlanta!: Education & Prevention - FAQYou cannot tell your HIV status by symptoms. Symptoms for HIV may not occur for years after you become infected, so many people who are infected do not know it. Initial symptoms of HIV are very common and may be associated with a variety of illnesses. If you are feeling sick or having symptoms you should see your doctor. However, if you think you might have been at risk of getting HIV, you must get an HIV test to know if you did become infected or not.
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of HIV?
San Francisco AIDS Foundation: Frequently Asked Questions Ab...Primary HIV infection is the first stage of HIV disease, when the virus first establishes itself in the body. Some researchers use the term acute HIV infection to describe the period of time between when a person is first infected with HIV and when antibodies against the virus are produced by the body (usually 6- 12 weeks). Some people newly infected with HIV will experience some "flu-like" symptoms.
Related QuestionsAIDSHotline.org -- Frequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDSSymptoms are not a good indication of HIV infection. Many infected persons do not experience symptoms for several years, if ever, and the symptoms that may appear in the early stages can be easily confused with symptoms caused by other factors. Primary HIV infection is the first stage of HIV disease, when the virus first establishes itself in the body.Related Questions
Who do I have to tell about my HIV?
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)You do have a responsibility to let past and current needle-sharing and/or sexual partners that they were exposed to HIV as soon as possible since they should be tested. For many people, telling partners, friends and family is hard. Sometimes an HIV diagnosis brings secrets - about sexual partners, sexual activity or chemical dependency - out into the open.
Related QuestionsHow can I tell if I'm infected with HIV? What are the symptoms?
Aids: Frequently Asked Questions on AIDS and HIVThe only way to determine for sure whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether or not you are infected with HIV. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms at all for many years. However, no one should assume they are infected if they have any of these symptoms. Each of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses. Again, the only way to determine whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection.
Related QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDSThe only way to know if you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether or not you are infected. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms at all for many years. For information on where to find an HIV testing site, visit the National HIV Testing Resources website at http://www.hivtest.org or call CDC-INFO24 Hours/Day at (800) CDC-INFO (232-4636), (888) 232-6348 (TTY).Related Questions
I just tested HIV-positive, what do I do?
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)First thing: Don't panic! In the United States, living with HIV is no longer an automatic death sentence. Many people are alive and well who were diagnosed many years ago. Although HIV can be life threatening, and you will have to monitor your physical health and have regular medical tests, there are many things you can do to maintain a normal life. It's important to learn all you can about HIV in order to keep yourself healthy.
Related QuestionsBACK TO TOP WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I FIND OUT I AM HIV POSITIVE?
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf you live in Bermuda you should contact your personal Health Care Provider or the Bermuda Department of Health at 236-0224. Click Here for more information. In addition The Allan Vincent Smith Foundation can help provide you with the referrals and support you need. You should also consider the following guidelines:
Related QuestionsWhat if I test HIV positive?
American Social Health Association - Learn about STDs/STIsThere are many things you can do to help protect your health if you test positive for HIV. Seeking health care early and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help a person stay healthy. Some specific things you can do if you're positive for HIV are: See a doctor, even if you feel well. If possible, see a doctor who is familiar with treating people with HIV. Health care providers can inform you on what tests and drug treatment are right for you.
Related QuestionsWhat if I test positive for HIV?
HIV Frequently Asked Questions - Southern Nevada Health Dist...If you test positive for HIV, the sooner you take steps to protect your health, the better. Early medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle can help you stay well. Prompt medical care may delay the onset of AIDS and prevent some life-threatening conditions. The Health District Office of AIDS offers an Adult Evaluation Clinic at the Ravenholt Public Health Center.
Related QuestionsHow do I tell others I am HIV positive?
Partners for Health Information: ConditionsNutrition fact sheets - food and drug interactions, controlling diarrhea and nausea, different types of diets. Newsletters, support, and information for women with HIV: breastfeeding, attitudes, sex, health, contraceptives, and much more just for women.
Related QuestionsQuestion: How can I tell if I'm infected with HIV? What are the symptoms?
FAQThe only way to determine for sure whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether or not you are infected with HIV. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms at all for many years. However, no one should assume they are infected if they have any of these symptoms. Each of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses. Again, the only way to determine whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection.
Related QuestionsDo I have to tell my employer that I'm positive?
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)Generally, you don't need to disclose your HIV status to your employer. (Some licensed health care providers are required to notify a professional board. Check with the Minnesota Department of Health or your professional organization if you have questions.) All workplaces are now expected to practice "universal precautions" in dealing with any blood or other bodily fluid. (Universal precautions assume that all blood and bodily fluids may be infected with one or more diseases.
Related QuestionsThe doctor said i am HIV positive what does that mean?
GENESIS OF AIDS- QUESTIONS THAT ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT A...The first documented cases of AIDS was on the 5th of June 1981, in the USA, and five people were affected with the disease. However there were reported (but not documented) cases of occurrence of HIV in 1959, But not much information was gathered on the later event. REF: FIRST OUTBREAK OF AIDS
Related QuestionsHow likely is an HIV-positive woman to infect her baby?
Frequently Asked QuestionsApproximately one-quarter to one-third of all untreated pregnant women infected with HIV will pass the infection to their babies during pregnancy or childbirth. But this risk is significantly reduced if the mother is treated with AZT (during pregnancy, labor, and delivery) and her baby receives AZT during the first six weeks of life.
Related QuestionsI'm HIV positive. Where can I go for information about treatments?
American Social Health Association - Learn about STDs/STIsFor more information, call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). This service is available in English or en español. For TYY service, please call 1-888-232-6348. These services are open 24 hours, 7 days a week and can offer general information to help you discuss HIV treatments as well as other treatments with your doctor.
Related QuestionsHow can a person tell if she is infected with HIV?
Frequently Asked QuestionsA blood test can determine whether or not a person is infected with HIV. The most commonly used test detects antibodies (disease-fighting proteins) against HIV. It may take as long as three to six months for HIV antibodies to reach levels that are measurable in standard blood tests.
Related QuestionsHow can I tell if I'm infected with HIV?
American Social Health Association - Learn about STDs/STIsThe only way to tell you have HIV is be tested for the virus. You cannot rely on symptoms to tell if you or someone you know is infected. The symptoms of HIV are similar to many other illnesses and many people have no symptoms at all. The symptoms of AIDS are also similar to other diseases. If a person is infected with HIV, the only way to tell if they have progressed to AIDS is to be diagnosed by a doctor using the CDC defined criteria.
Related QuestionsHIV Frequently Asked Questions - Southern Nevada Health Dist...The only way to know if you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether or not you are infected with HIV. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms at all for many years.Related Questions
I AM PREGNANT AND HIV POSITIVE. WILL MY BABY BE BORN WITH HIV?
Ministry of HealthHIV can be passed on to an unborn child either in the womb or during birth as the baby passes through the birth canal. HIV can also be transmitted through the mother's breast milk. However, there is treatment available that can reduce the child's risk of getting HIV. All pregnant women should request an HIV test from their doctor.
Related QuestionsI know that I am HIV positive but what is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
Welcome to Positive Healthcare - Florida - Frequently Asked ...HIV is a virus that is in your blood that destroys some of your white blood cells, also called T-cells. When your T-cells drop below a certain level, generally 200, you are diagnosed with AIDS. Sometimes you can have a co-infection like PCP Pneumonia that also gives you an AIDS diagnosis. Your nurse will go to you doctor's office, look at your chart, read your lab work, and get back with you to explain what your lab values mean. Your T-cells are the good cells that fight infection in your body.
Related QuestionsWhat to do if you suspect you are HIV Positive?
Frequently Asked Questions | Hillcrest Aids Centre TrustGo for pre-test counselling and an HIV test. This test is free and available at the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust or any government clinic. Go for a CD4 count (this test measures the strength of your immune system. A normal CD4 count is between 800-1200). This test is also available at a local government clinic for free. However, the results take longer to receive and are back within approximately three weeks.
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