Detecting Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

If you have had several sexual partners or practice unprotected sex, or have shared needles with another person. It’s important to get your blood tested for HIV or AIDS (the late stage of HIV). Symptoms of HIV are very easy to ignore and include common ailments like: Fatigue, fever, swollen lymph nodes, mouth ulcers, sore throat, fever, chills, and night sweats.

If you have AIDS symptoms include weight loss, constant fever, night sweats, diarrhea, pneumonia, swollen lymph nodes, skin blotches, as well as some mental defects like memory loss, depression and other neurological disorders. Most HIV tests detect antibodies (proteins your body makes as a reaction against the presence of HIV), not HIV itself. But it take can take a few weeks or longer for your body to produce these antibodies. ⁽¹⁾

It’s incredibly important to get tested to avoid infecting your sexual partner and to start treatment immediately. HIV is very painful and the symptoms can become lethal if untreated. For more information about HIV visit HIV.gov. To get an STD test call (718 659 0400) or visit us, walk-ins welcomed.

1. source: https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/symptoms-of-hiv

*Disclaimer: Information provided here is meant as general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult a physician for an exact diagnosis and treatment.