Can AIDS be ruled out after six weeks?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Going to the hospital for HIV screening after six weeks is entirely feasible, as it typically surpasses the window period. However, if you have engaged in high-risk behaviors, we recommend that you get tested again after three months. If there are frequent high-risk behaviors, we advise you to undergo another test at six months to thoroughly rule out HIV.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How long does it take for AIDS to manifest?

After the human body becomes infected with the HIV virus, 50%-70% of people may exhibit symptoms similar to the common cold, such as fever, headache, sore throat, and muscle and joint pain, about two weeks later. There can also be generalized swelling of the lymph nodes, the appearance of maculopapular rashes, and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Generally, these symptoms will disappear after about a month, and then a symptom-free infection period follows, which can last from 1 to 10 years. Subsequently, the individual enters the AIDS phase. During the AIDS phase, various types of infections erupt, including bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, and even concurrent malignant tumors, all of which can lead to death.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can AIDS be ruled out after six weeks?

Going to the hospital for HIV screening after six weeks is entirely feasible, as it typically surpasses the window period. However, if you have engaged in high-risk behaviors, we recommend that you get tested again after three months. If there are frequent high-risk behaviors, we advise you to undergo another test at six months to thoroughly rule out HIV.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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What are the symptoms of AIDS?

The primary symptoms of AIDS are mainly due to immunodeficiency and opportunistic infections caused by a weakened immune system. During the acute phase of AIDS, the virus replicates in large numbers, leading to immune damage and disorder. In the acute phase, symptoms such as rashes, fever, sore throat, weight loss, and diarrhea are common. During the symptomatic phase, symptoms like unexplained fever, diarrhea, chest tightness, coughing, phlegm, and numerous white secretions on the oral tongue are commonly observed.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How to test for AIDS?

If you suspect you might have HIV for various reasons, or if you have had high-risk sexual behaviors, we generally recommend that patients go to a formal hospital and have a blood test for HIV screening. It's usually best to get tested between 1 and 2 months after potential exposure. If the test is negative, HIV can generally be ruled out. If the sexual behavior was high-risk, then another test can be conducted at the end of the third month. If there is frequent high-risk sexual activity, then another follow-up test can be done at six months. If all tests are negative, HIV can be ruled out. If a test is positive, further confirmatory tests should be done at a disease control center.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What department should I go to for AIDS testing?

AIDS is a severe immunodeficiency disease characterized by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. Its main modes of transmission are sexual activity, blood, and mother-to-child transmission, with sexual transmission accounting for over 95%. Therefore, when we go to the hospital for AIDS testing, we generally need to visit the dermatology department or the department of venereology.