As I research more for my paper

[maolaping]

As I continue to research more and more for a brief undergraduate class, and this forum has helped significantly, I was wondering, as I read so much online material (some not so up-to-date), what is classified as a significant ARS (Acute Retroviral Symptoms) timeline?  Does anyone have legit info. or websites that deal with the timeline of the HIV/AIDS onset to diagnosis?  I have seen that www.aidsmeds.com seems a legit source.  They state that 3 weeks (or 21 days) is the "average" time for seroconversion.  Are there other websites that would refute this?  Understanding that not all persons infected with HIV would undergo ARS, if those that do, do indeed go through ARS and have symptoms, what is that timeline?  Any HIV practitioners/MD's that deal with ID on here?  If so, greatly appreciated.  -mao

[maolaping]

and for persons who use IV drug use, would ARS be delayed likely to the use of these IV drugs?

[maolaping]

I appreciate it.  My focus is more on ARS, not the window period of infection. From what I have gathered, the prevalence for ARS can account for 40%-60% of the time.  Symptoms, or there lack of, are nor always indicative or viable for HIV infection (that is understood).  I guess my overall introduction may have been too convoluded.  Overall, I am curious to know if persons who do indeed undergo symptomatic HIV ARS, what is the timeline?  From what I have gathered, both in JAMA and online resources, and have become more interested in online articles and professional interactions, ARS timeline with regards to symptomatic HIV infection occurs roughly within a- 2-4 week timeframe (IF symptomatic HIV infection does occur).   Thoughts?  sites?  any good journals (medically affiliated would be ideal).

thanks again.
-mao

[Teak]

AidsMeds also states 3 months post exposure is when you can obtain a conclusive negative test result just like this website.