Question

Is the window period for HIV-1 and HIV-2 the same?

9 April 2008. Related: All topics, HIV transmission.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Thank you for your question. As far as I am aware, the window period for HIV-1 is the same as that of HIV-2.

4 comments

  1. Simon Collins •

    Hi Vishal

    This service doesn’t answer questions about testing and transmission, because the information is already online at the FAQ page.
    http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

    or in this guide:
    http://i-base.info/guides/testing

  2. Vishal •

    Hi – I am a 45 years man & every time I had sex with different females, whether sex workers or not, I always used Condom (Double or Single). Last time I had sex with sex worker is almost a year back & after that I had sex only with my wife, who tested & found no HIV almost 6 months back. Just to understand is there chance to get HIV after using condom. Also If a partner already had HIV & you have used condom what are the chances to get HIV. Kindly advice.

  3. Charlotte Walker •

    Hi Ketan,

    Thank you for your question.

    If you have used a condom every time you have had sex then you are not at risk of HIV. It is also important not to assume that people who have sex for money as a job have HIV. The window period is the time it takes from HIV entering your body to your immune system generating a response. It is this immune response that is uaully picked up on a HIV test. The window period is usually up to 3 months but tests in the UK can now detect HIV 2-3 weeks after exposure, though 4 weeks is usually used in testing clinics. If you want to know more about the tests used then please follow this link to the i-Base factsheets on testing and transmission.

    Many thanks
    Charlie

  4. Ketan •

    My name is Ketan. I am 28 years old. For the last six months I have been having sex with a woman who I pay to have sex with me because I am not married. Every time I use a condom. On the 3rd March I tested my blood for HIV and was told it is non-reactive. The last time I had sex with girl was on 23rd January. After gaining the knowledge about the dangers of unprotected sex with a woman whose status I don’t know I stopped having sex with her after 23rd January.

    My question is how long do I need to wait before I test my blood for HIV again? Everyday I am thinking what have I done with my life? Please tell me about the window period and HIV test types so I can feel free from HIV. Do I need to test my blood again?