health answers:

The window period for HIV is 3 months, meaning that’s how long you need to wait to ensure a reliable test. Some people will test positive in as little as 2 weeks, but many people have false-negative results if you don’t wait the full 3 months.

People who contract HIV today and strictly adhere to their antiretroviral medications are very likely to live more than 20 years, and probably longer. The new medicines that are out there have turned HIV into a chronic yet manageable disease.

health answers:

If you believe in human rights it cannot be mandatory. It can be recommended strongly and we should have a process that helps people get tested, but mandatory is a bit much. The disease is not universal, it is contracted through specific types of action and personal behavior.

Look at these articles about Hiv testing: http://www.hrw.org/en/search/apachesolr_search/hivaids-tests

If your health has been put at risk because of your job – in the medical field or police and fire departments where you might be exposed to HIV through physical contact with other people – it seems reasonable to request a Hiv test from a person who exposed you through bites, cuts and bodily fluids or other physical contact. Mandatory testing after such types of exposures seems reasonable (as well as testing for hepatitis, etc.) see: http://www.thebody.com/content/whatis/art10336.html

health answers:

Yes, testing says 6, but doctors will tell you at 3 months – it is conclusive! Of course, if you are concerned, get tested again.

Another recommendation I have is this: The next time you are in a relationship, where sex in involved, you both should get tested as soon a possible to reassure that neither of you are bringing the Hiv virus into the relationship. Best if you do this before the sex starts, but…

health answers:

The Urine sample are used for bacterial infections such as Chlamydia & Gonorrhea.

Your Doctor is probably doing a Full STD check up to make sure you have been tested for Bacterial and Viral Infections.

I like this Doctor, he or she is watching out for you. See if your Dr. can also test you for Herpes 1 and 2.

health answers:

When to use the p24 Test? Levels of p24 antigen increase significantly at about one to three weeks after an initial infection. It is during this time frame before HIV antibody is produced when the p24 test is useful in helping to diagnose infection. Typically 2-8 weeks after an infection, the HIV antibody begins showing up at which time the HIV antibody test makes more sense.

There are no symptoms from the HIV directly. Typically symptoms occur when AIDs develops and that can take several years to show up. So go get tested!

Until you have a long term monogamous relationship where both partners have been tested for HIV and other STD’s, then you should plan on HIV testing and other std testing after any unprotected sex and on a twice a year or annual basis.

The cost of tests is reasonable.