Approximate Timeline of Testing and Symptoms for HIV/AIDS

(These times are approximate and may vary greatly from person to person!)
NOT Drawn to Scale!

(Click the image to enlarge.)

Key:

AVS = Acute Viral Syndrome

A = Antigen test

PCR = Polymerase Chain Reaction test

[----] = Appears for a limited time only

--> = May continue for long periods of time

* = These tests may NOT always show a positive result in an infected person! Therefore, these tests should NOT be used for the diagnosis of HIV in routine testing of adults.

** = Symptoms may not always be present, and the severity of symptoms may vary greatly from person to person. The average time that the symptoms of full-blown AIDS begins is 10 years.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION--> Frequently Asked Questions

Do you want more information on AIDS, STDs or safer sex? Contact the U.S. Centers for Disease Control AIDS hotline, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-800-CDC-INFO. Or visit The Body's Safe Sex and Prevention Forum.

Until next time . . . Work hard, play hard, play safe, stay sober!

AVS	=	Acute Viral Syndrome
A	=	Antigen test
PCR	=	Polymerase Chain Reaction test
[----]	=	Appears for a limited time only
-->	=	May continue for long periods of time
*	=	These tests may NOT always show a positive result in an infected person! Therefore, these tests should NOT be used for the diagnosis of HIV in routine testing of adults.
**	=	Symptoms may not always be present, and the severity of symptoms may vary greatly from person to person. The average time that the symptoms of full-blown AIDS begins is 10 years.