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How Soon Do HIV Symptoms Appear After Exposure?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Question: Hi doctor went a person gets infect from hiv the sintons stars rihg away
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
20% of infected people have flu-like symptoms, but very non-specific.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for posting your query to HCM,

When a person gets infected with HIV virus, the HIV symptoms do not start right away, but because the virus is in the blood, about 20% of people have flu-like symptoms for a short period of time that may last a few weeks. This process is known as seroconversion, and its the way the body reacts to the viruses in the body. If an HIV antibody test is done before seroconversion is complete then it may not be positive.

Why you have this question dear? Its not easy to get the HIV virus, because it get easily destroyed if it is in contact with the environment. Only a secure contact of blood with infected blood may tell for sure that someone has been infected. A sexual relationship also, is not always a way to transmitting the virus, and it needs several sexual acts to pass the virus. so, I would recommend that if you have doubts of being infected, you can consider a HIV test about 3-4 weeks after the approximate time of possible infection.

Let me know if you have other questions or need further clarifications. I will be happy to answer.

Take care,
Dr. Papaqako
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1804 Questions

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How Soon Do HIV Symptoms Appear After Exposure?

Brief Answer: 20% of infected people have flu-like symptoms, but very non-specific. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for posting your query to HCM, When a person gets infected with HIV virus, the HIV symptoms do not start right away, but because the virus is in the blood, about 20% of people have flu-like symptoms for a short period of time that may last a few weeks. This process is known as seroconversion, and its the way the body reacts to the viruses in the body. If an HIV antibody test is done before seroconversion is complete then it may not be positive. Why you have this question dear? Its not easy to get the HIV virus, because it get easily destroyed if it is in contact with the environment. Only a secure contact of blood with infected blood may tell for sure that someone has been infected. A sexual relationship also, is not always a way to transmitting the virus, and it needs several sexual acts to pass the virus. so, I would recommend that if you have doubts of being infected, you can consider a HIV test about 3-4 weeks after the approximate time of possible infection. Let me know if you have other questions or need further clarifications. I will be happy to answer. Take care, Dr. Papaqako