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| The window period is the time it takes
for a person who has been infected with HIV to produce enough
HIV antibodies to enable it to be detected. Antibodies generally
appear within 3 weeks to 3 months after HIV infection. |
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| You may anxious to be tested soon after
an encounter which you perceive to be risky. You may want to
know: can my antibodies be detected without waiting 3 months.
How accurate is the test after, say 6 weeks? |
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| Unfortunately, we don't know. |
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| Think about this: If you got tested at
6 weeks, would you believe it? Would it make you less anxious?
If so, go for it. But to be certain, you will need to be tested
again at 3 months. And during this window period, avoid all
risky behaviours and ensure you use a condom during oral, anal
or vaginal intercourse. |
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| You may have "heard" that HIV/AIDS can
take years to be detectable. Here's the clarification: HIV-
the virus that causes AIDS - is detectable within 3 months after
exposure, and does not cause any symptoms to people. AIDS, or
the clinical symptoms that define it, takes many years to develop
after exposure but can be delayed with various advancement we
have made with HIV treatment. |
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