Detectable antibodies usually develop within four weeks to three months of HIV infection. Some people have symptoms during this time. They are usually not severe. They include slight fever headaches fatigue muscle aches and swollen glands. These symptoms may last for a few weeks. There are usually no symptoms for a long time after the antibodies have developed with the current average span of asymptomatic HIV disease standing at just over ten years after point of infection.

Some people have many years of feeling well without any symptoms. Others have a series of infections and illnesses from the time that they are infected with HIV. If your immune system becomes severely damaged by HIV, you may go on to develop an AIDS defining illness. Many of these illnesses can be prevented or treated. Even after you have AIDS, you may have long periods of feeling well and not being sick at all.

You will be assured privacy and support to receive the result and counseled on the accuracy, medical and legal significance of an HIV diagnosis. there is now highly effective treatment for HIV, much of the counseling is usually focused on helping the positive person take the next necessary steps to receive follow up medical care and social support for treatment and healthy living with HIV. Referrals to Care Coordination Services, RAIN and other supportive services are offered.

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.

If 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:

There 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.

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

Approximately 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.

For 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.

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. There is much you can do to stay healthy. Learn all that you can about maintaining good health.

HIV 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.

Go 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.

If you have tested positive for HIV, consider the following: See a healthcare professional for a complete medical check-up for HIV infection and advice on treatment and health maintenance. Make sure you are tested for TB and other STDs. For women, this includes a regular gynaecological exam. Inform your sexual partner(s) about their possible risk for HIV. Your local health department has a partner notification programme that can assist you.

Hepatitis B (all three doses), Hepatitis A (both doses), Tetanus, Influenza ("flu shot"), Pneumococcal ("Pneumonia shot"). Note concerning the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine: People with HIV who are severely immunocompromized may not be candidates for this vaccine. Discuss this with your health care provider. People born before 1957 are usually considered immune and one dose is recommended for those born after 1956 if that person has not been previously vaccinated.

However, you can still be HIV positive and immigrate to Canada if you are a spouse, common-law, conjugal partner or dependent child of a Canadian citizen/permanent resident and are applying under Family Class. This is because a spouse/partner and dependent child will not be medically inadmissible for conditions considered to cause excess demand in health and social services.

HIV is a silent virus which slowly destroys the body's immune system. The immune system protects the body from infections. Without a properly functioning immune system, an HIV positive person can have difficulty fighting off common infections.

You have been infected with HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the germ which causes AIDS. It does not necessarily mean you have full blown AIDS at this time. A positive test means that the virus has entered your body through blood, semen or vaginal secretions and that you can spread HIV to others, even if you have no symptoms.

this writing, we have 4 children we know are HIV positive, out of 26 who have been tested. Our doctor is in the process of having every one of the children in our care tested so that we can better manage their health with faster intervention.