Question
Why have I only tested positive after 11 years?
10 January 2024. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, Sero different couples.
My wife tested positive for HIV in 2012 but did not show symptoms and never took the medication. I tested negative all the years until February 2022 I tested positive and also my wife. Why did it all of a sudden come back. Did she have sex with someone who is positive or did it just came back?
Answer
Hi, how are both you and your wife doing?
Have either of you now started treatment?
HIV does not ‘go away’. Your wife will have been positive since 2012. Having sex with someone HIV positive does not guarantee transmission each time. There are a number of factors that change this risk e.g., type of sex, treatment, genetics and even luck.
If you have not been using a condom with your wife, it means that you have been risking transmission since 2012 while they have not been on treatment. Your partner has not had sex with someone else.
Now testing positive means that the last time you had sex the ‘conditions’ were correct and HIV was able to be transmitted.
More information about this can be found here.
Josh.
Hi Ryan, please see the links here ofr info on testing:
https://i-base.info/qa/11844
Hi Doctor, on 12 December 2023, I did a 4 gen test on 13 January 2024 (32 days after sex) and it came back non reactive . Should I test again
Hi Mduduzi, your test result is conclusive and you do not have HIV. The canker sore that you have noticed is not the result of HIV. If you remained concerned about the recurrent canker sores please speak with your doctor.
Please see here for more information about testing and transmission: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hei Doctor i slept with infected person last year on july 2023 then i go for test after 1 month and I tested negetive.I go for test again on early January 2024 i tested negetive but during this period im experiencing some canker sore that apear and disappear twice and again and also a redish colour on the upper slips.it can be possible that I’m hiv positive?