Can HIV be detected the next day?
An antigen/antibody test performed by a laboratory on blood from a vein can usually detect HIV infection 18 to 45 days after an exposure. Antigen/ antibody tests done with blood from a finger prick can take longer to detect HIV (18 to 90 days after an exposure).
Can HIV be detected within 24 hours?
There’s no HIV test that can accurately detect HIV in the body immediately after exposure. There’s a time frame known as the “window period” before you can be tested for HIV and receive accurate results.
Can HIV be stopped if detected early?
Though there is no cure for HIV, early diagnosis can aid in timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy that can stop the virus from damaging the immune system. An HIV patient who has received timely treatment can live a normal and long life without progressing to late stage HIV.
Should I talk to my doctor about my HIV test results?
But that doesn’t mean that anyone who is asked to come in for follow-up is going to get an HIV positive result. There are SO MANY other possible reasons why your doctor might want to talk to you. Most doctors prefer to only give HIV test results face-to-face, whether the result is negative or positive.
Can you test positive for HIV if you have undetectable viral load?
If you are living with HIV and have an undetectable viral load, you will still test positive for HIV. But, if you are living with HIV, have been taking HIV medications every day as directed, have a “durably” suppressed viral load and have been undetectable for at least six months, you will not transmit HIV to sex partners. You are not infectious.
Does being HIV-positive mean I Have AIDS?
No. Being HIV-positive does not mean you have AIDS. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV disease. HIV can lead to AIDS if a person does not get treatment or take care of their health. But if a person with HIV takes their HIV medicine as prescribed, they may stay healthy for many years, and may never be diagnosed with AIDS.
What happens if I’m undetectable with HIV?
If you’re undetectable, you will still test positive for HIV. This is expected, and doesn’t mean that your treatment is not working. Every year, San Francisco AIDS Foundation conducts more than 15,000 HIV tests.