How long does it take to test positive for HIV?

Question

i came back from china, i was fine just had diarea, then had a small cold, i went to get tested but tested negative for HIV so i assumed i was fine, then 3 weeks later i had like a real bad throat problem they thought it was strep they gave me amoxicillin it went away then 2 weeks later which is now i had a scratchy throat, it was my bday so i went out to drink with my friends next morning its scratchy and i have boogers and within a day now its going away?? im confused....

Answer 1

It takes three months for your body to produce enough antibodies to show up on an HIV test.  Good luck!

Answer 2

HIV would not be my first thought with your symptoms, but it sounds like you feel like you may have been exposed so it is good that you are getting tested. You have to wait at least 3 months after potentially being exposed to get tested, and even if that test turns out negative it does not necessarily mean you don't have HIV, you'll have to get tested in another 3 months. It can take a year to show up positive on tests.

Answer 3

Antibodies to HIV usually show up on tests  within 3 months of infection.  However, in rare cases, it can take up to 6 months for the antibodies to show up.  Get tested 3 months after possible exposure, then retest 3 months later.

Answer 4

You didn't mention if you had unprotected s*x (vaginal or anal) while in China.   That is the major vector for HIV infection.  While oral s*x has a much lower probability of passing the infection, that is a possible route if either party has open sores in the mouth or lips.

Barring none of the above, you do not have AIDS.  BTW, AIDS antibodies take about 3 months to show up in the bloodstream.