Question
My husband tested positive – why am I still negative?
10 February 2012. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, Sero different couples.
My husband and I have been together for 6 years. Recently his sister tested HIV positive. As a result we thought it would be best just to have ourselves tested. Since we’ve been together I have tested myself 4 times and have been negative. I have also had a baby two years ago and still tested negative. My husband has never had himself tested as he thought that if I was negative he was also negative.
Last week he tested positive and I still tested negative. His CD4 count is 576, the doctor says he has a healthy count as a person that does not have HIV and therefore does not need to start treatment. My husband says that he has no idea on how he contacted the virus as he has been faithful to me all this time.
I some how find that hard to believe. He says he has probably had it before he met me and never knew. Is that possible? How long would it take for the count to reach 576 or has he been infected recently? Please help…
Answer
I’m very sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis. I can understand that you are confused and worried about the situation.
About 20% of people who have been infected by HIV do not have any symptoms. These people can remain healthy for many years without needing any HIV medication. So it is possible that he could have been infected before he met you.
Currently your husband’s CD4 is at 576 and this is a good indication that he is very healthy. Your husband can also be a slow progressor. A slow progressor is when someone who has been infected with HIV for many years without needing treatment.
Please take a look at our FAQ link below for more information on sero-different couples (where one partner is positive and the other is negative).
I’m very sorry that I cannot make any comments on when your husband was infected.
No. Everyone needs to have their own test to know their own result. You can read from the original question and answer.
I have been married to my husband for 7 years and in those years I have never been tested for HIV. Yesterday, he went for an HIV test and it came back negative. Does this mean I am also negative?
Hi Kabelo,
I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis but I’m glad to hear you are gaining weight since starting TB treatment. Unfortunately TB treatment will not increase your CD4 count. Only HIV treatment can increase the CD4 count. It’s important to start treatment soon because you are risk of getting new infections- such as pneumonia- while your CD4 count is this low. HIV treatment is very effective and much easier to take than many people think. Can you tell me why you are putting off starting treatment? Please follow this link to our Introduction to combination therapy for more information about starting treatment.
Hey I am 27 years old male in march this year I was admitted in hospital and I tested HIV positive and I also had TB I am currently on TB treatment and in march my CD4 count was 125 and they told me I must start with HIV medication and I always come up with excuses when I have to but since then I have been well in my health gaining 10kg in my weight since April this year so I just want to know if there are any chances of my CD4 count increasing without taking any HIV medication.