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HIV Positve
I was tested HIV postive last spring. How do I know that I am actually HIV positive, when there are a number of other factures that could bring my cd4 count up of down? Just recently my sister was diagnosed with staph infection and we both have the same symptoms. How do I actually know that I have HIV and it isn't some other type of disease that attacks the immune system? Any clarification is greatly appreciated.
You tested HIV positive, using a standard HIV test? From your question, it appears you are considering yourself HIV positive based on your CD4 count...
When your body encounters any virus, it begins to produce antibodies (proteins) to fight the infection. The HIV tests usually used detect the presence of these specific antibodies, that are found in your blood serum or plasma. If you have not done an HIV test, such as this, then the only way you can be diagnosed with HIV is by doing one and then if these antibodies show up on the test, another test is used to confirm the presence of the virus in your body.
If you are diagnosed HIV positive, then you need to see an HIV specialist, who can discuss your treatment options with you.
I hope this helps, best of luck.
When your body encounters any virus, it begins to produce antibodies (proteins) to fight the infection. The HIV tests usually used detect the presence of these specific antibodies, that are found in your blood serum or plasma. If you have not done an HIV test, such as this, then the only way you can be diagnosed with HIV is by doing one and then if these antibodies show up on the test, another test is used to confirm the presence of the virus in your body.
If you are diagnosed HIV positive, then you need to see an HIV specialist, who can discuss your treatment options with you.
I hope this helps, best of luck.
Hi there,
hmmm...you tested positive...what did the doctor advise you?
One can go for a HIV test at the 1st month and repeat at the 3rd month for a conclusive result. Both the ELISA and rapid test do follow this criteria and a positive test will need a further screening by a Western Blot, which is the confirmatory test for HIV.
hmmm...you tested positive...what did the doctor advise you?
One can go for a HIV test at the 1st month and repeat at the 3rd month for a conclusive result. Both the ELISA and rapid test do follow this criteria and a positive test will need a further screening by a Western Blot, which is the confirmatory test for HIV.
last spring is a lot of time ( Spring 2007?? ).
if you had a repeated Elisa test followed by a Positive western Blot then your positive, no doubt about it.
if all this happened back in spring 2007, you should have contacted a Doctor that specializes in treating HIV/Viral infections long ago.
This forum is to share thoughts about HIV prevention not about how to proceed once diagnosed positive. I really suggest you go and visit your doctor right away.
if you had a repeated Elisa test followed by a Positive western Blot then your positive, no doubt about it.
if all this happened back in spring 2007, you should have contacted a Doctor that specializes in treating HIV/Viral infections long ago.
This forum is to share thoughts about HIV prevention not about how to proceed once diagnosed positive. I really suggest you go and visit your doctor right away.
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