What To Expect When Taking An Hiv Test

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Get the Facts

Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange

HIV Viral Load Testing

As a person with HIV, having your viral load tested will likely be an importantpart of your plan to stay healthy. You will have the test done regularly,and it will be one of several factorsyou and your doctor will look at whendeciding how to manage your infection. This brochure introduces you tothe viral load test and answers basicquestions about how it fits into yourtreatment plan. What is the viral load test? A viral load test measures...

Ask the Experts

HIV positive - question about life expectancy (LIFE EXPECTANCY, 2010) (PROGNOSIS, 2010)

I have just had a 5 week test result come back positive.I couldnt get answer from my doc, so wanted to ask you.How long can people with HIV live on HAART? - I know there isnt one figure- just wondering if there are ball park figures?Any info would...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

FHello Alan,The clinical course of HIV varies considerably from person to person. Life expectancy with HIV/AIDS depends on many confounding variables, including viral strain, access to and adherence with potent antiretroviral therapy, concurrent... Read more »

pregnant and terrified hiv test taking too long

Dear DR Kull,I'm a 33 year old caucasian woman and am 11 weeks pregnant with my first child. My husband and I were estatic, but now I am absolutely terrified I am HIV positive. I took many blood tests including HIV 2 weeks ago and my doctors...

Response from Ryan M. Kull, C.S.W

Columbia University's Health & Related Services

First of all, I would encourage you to do your best to hold off on diagnosing yourself as being HIV infected. Unless you are at siginificant risk for infection (had unprotected sex with an HIV positive man or someone at high risk for infection)... Read more »

How long could I have had HIV? (LIFE EXPECTANCY, 2009)

Hi Dr. Frascino,I am in my mid 20s, and I was recently diagnosed with HIV (it's been about a month now). I was tested about 6 months ago and the test result was negative. I was tested 6 months prior to that, and was negative then as well. I...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,I see absolutely no reason to doubt the validity or accuracy of your previous HIV tests. You contracted the virus sometime within the past six months. (I assume you've had some risk exposure?) Your HIV specialist will be able to address your... Read more »

Tested Positive...what to expect

Dear Dr,Tested positive 2 days ago and getting blood work done in my next appointment (which is 2 months away! Yes 2 months). Honestly speaking, I'm on the verge of giving up. I dont think I can carry on any longer. One freak accident and thats...

Response from Andrew T. Pavia, M.D.

University of Utah, School of Medicine

Dear HW,You have a future. You will live to see your child grow up. You will have to worry about growing old, getting gray, developing a bad back, and saving for the future. How is that for no crystal ball.After getting diagnosed, everything is a... Read more »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Connect With Others

Life Expectancy with HIV

Posted by SaltyWater, 9 Replies

Hi

I was recently diagnosed with HIV some 6/7 weeks ago. While I can accept this illness and try not to let it affect my life too much, and making sure I go to my appointments on time etc, I'm wanting to know if HIV actually has an impact of your... Read more »

HIV2 TESTING

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

anybody know how long hiv2 takes to come up on hiv test and what are the symptoms? How much longer is the life expectancy? Please answer.

Read more »

How long does the HIV test take?

Posted by missing, 1 Reply

It has been a week and I am still waiting for the result. I thought ELISA is a quick test? Does that means my blood has to go through Western Blot........... I know ELISA can produce false positive but that small 1% chance doesn't seems very... Read more »

Life Expectancy

Posted by Anonymous, 7 Replies

My boy friend and I have recently tested +. We are just beginning meds and are wondering what kind of life expectancy we will have. We are now in our 20's and otherwise pretty healthy.

Read more »

Connect on Our Bulletin Boards »

Tools

My Health Tracker

Assess Your Risk for HIV

Find Local HIV/AIDS Services

Resource Centers

Guides for People With HIV

View All of Our Guides >>