Machang Ramesh I had a late night out, DJ was superb and the girls…I picked up this post card on HIV at the night club, did you ever think about it? How can I know if I am HIV positive?
Glad you asked Ivan, I’ve been waiting to talk to you. I hope you used a condom what ever you did…
Hmm…
Ivan, I’ve just been doing some reading on it. The only 100% accurate way of knowing one’s status is through a blood test. Apparently the HIV virus does not have a static shape and will not always show in a blood test. The test is to identify the presence of the HIV antibodies, which take a period of 3 – 6 months to form, this is called the Window Period.
Wow Ramesh, that’s a lot to take in, what is a window period?
The window period is the time it takes for HIV infection to show in a usual blood test which will detect the antibodies to the virus in an HIV-infected person.
Which means if I got infected last night, I will not be able to tell the next day. It will take 3 -6 months for the body to form the HIV antibodies. Hmmm… I think I understand now.
Yup Ivan, the window period can last from six weeks to six months. Therefore it is important to get tested every 6 months in order to know your status. Different bodies take different lengths of time to produce and release the antibodies, sometimes called “clues” to the virus.
Ok.. But why is the window period so important?
Because a person can unknowingly infect another person, cause he thinks he is healthy.
Interesting Ramesh… Tell me more on this window period?
Ok? During the window period, the commonly used tests cannot detect the antibodies to the virus. Therefore, if someone is tested during that period, the test result will be negative even though they are infected. it is important to test every 6 months. Also, one has to be careful about giving and taking blood or engaging in sexual activity. Always use a CONDOM, better safe than sorry.
Thanks Machang… Of course I’ll talk to people about it. My sister, my cousins, my friends have to keep them updated… I will also get my test done as soon as possible. Hey machang, how much does it cost to do the test?
Don’t worry about that. The testing is done free in all STD clinics.
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