Will I know whether I was infected with HIV if I got tested right after I was, or believe I was exposed to HIV?

Infection with HIV causes flu-like symptoms.  The routine way to determine if you are infected with HIV is taking the HIV antibody test.  However, the p24 antigen and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests can tell you whether you are infected earlier than an HIV antibody test can.  The HIV anitbody test looks for antibodies against the virus in a person's blood.

Getting tested before the 3 month period may result in an unclear test result, as an infected person may not have yet developed antibodies to HIV.  So it is best to wait for at least three months after the last time you were exposed before taking the test.

It is also important that you are not at risk of further exposures to HIV during this time period.  Most importantly you should continue to practice safe sex (use a condom every time you have sex) and not share needles.

Back to FAQ list.