Question
Can the virus hide from tests?
10 June 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission.
Hi,
7 weeks ago I had sex with someone who is HIV positive. 8 days after the encounter I develop muscle aches joint pains headaches and shortness of breath. It last for 26 days and now I have the same symptoms but not as bad as the first 26 days. I have been to the doctor 5 times in they haven’t found anything.
Last week I had a RNA PCR test and a rapid antibody test they both came back negative. Is it possible that the virus can be hidden in the body? Before the incident I was in good shape I’m 26 years old and never had a problem with my health, should I go to a HIV specialist because I’m almost positive that I caught the virus and I don’t want to put my wife at risk?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
You cannot know if you caught HIV or not. Only a test will tell you the answer to this. You have had several tests all of which were negative. You do not have HIV. The tests look for an immune response that shows in any blood sample, so this is not a question of the virus hiding. Your symptoms may be a result of anxiety or another infection altogether.
If you are worried about putting your wife at risk then you should follow this link to read about how protect yourself from HIV infection.
Hi Dextifa,
Its sounds like you’re in a difficult situation.
Is there any reason why your boyfriend has suggested that you take an HIV test? Do you know what his thoughts are with regards to HIV? Knowing this might help you decide if, and how you tell him. Because I don’t know either of you I can’t really say what you should do.
If you think he’s worth it, it may be easier just to tell him. If he can’t accept your status, then its better to know now rather than later.
I’m HIV positive and I have a boyfriend who I love very much. He keeps suggesting that we go and get tested, but I already know my status. I don’t know what to do.
Hi Pretty,
If the person who you had sex with is on medication and has an undetectable viral load, the risk of transmission is close to zero. Please see the results of the PARTNER study for more info.
http://i-base.info/qa-on-the-partner-study/
If however, there viral load is undetectable you will need to test.
I had sex without a condom in December with a person…and I didn’t know his status…. but after five days I discovered that the person is taking pills for HIV… am scared to test now ..
Hi Anansa,
What the lab tech has told you is not true. Please see question one here fore more info:
http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
I have a very deep issue in trying to find out exactly how long a person could not show up positive on hiv because the lab tech that did my testing told me it could take some years in some people to show up positive because they have a strong immune system yet they wouldn’t allow a person to take the ELISA test to ensure that your negative is exactly what it is negative could someone please ahead some light on this it’s somewhat worrying to me
If you are in contact with sexual fluid it is better to wipe this off with a dry cloth, such as a handkerchief, see this link. Washing after sex can increase the risk of transmission.
You can find out more about HIV testing and risks of sexual transmission here:
http://i-base.info/guides/testing
7 weeks ago I had sex with girl. I used 2 condoms in this time. After sex I picked up the condom and few second later with the same hand I touch in my penis upper side when I am going to cleaning penis with handkerchief. After 5 weeks I test for HIV and the result came back negative, but I am still feel nervous. And I don’t know about girls condition so can some thing have happened.
The tests look for your body’s immune response which can take up to 12 weeks to show up on tests depending on many factors such as age, health, immune function etc. Previously 3rd generation tests were not deemed conclusive until 12 weeks post exposure.
4th generations tests are more accurate earlier and will pick up 95% of infections at 28 days post exposure.
BASHH guidelines continue to recommend 12 weeks to allow for the small percentage of people who take this long to develop an antibody response.
If the virus cannot hide, then why do the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASSH) only consider negative results conclusive after 12 weeks post possible exposure?