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I think I
have been exposed, how long will it take for a test to show that I
have HIV? It usually takes up to 3 months after infections
for the body to make HIV antibodies. In rare cases however, it can
take up to 6 months. This is called the “window period”. >top |
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How accurate is the OraSure Test? If you test positive for HIV after taking
an OraSure Test, the positive result is almost 100% accurate. A
negative test means no HIV antibodies were in your body at the time
of the test. Based on your sexual activity and the facts about the “window
period”, only you know how accurate a negative result is. >top |
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How is HIV transmitted?
HIV in semen, blood, or vaginal fluids
passes between partners the through thin mucous membranes of the
penis, vagina, rectum, or mouth. It can also be transmitted through
breast milk or through tiny cuts or open sores on the penis, vagina,
rectum, or mouth.
>top |
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How can I prevent HIV? You
can have sex without exchanging blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.
You can also use a new latex condom and a water-based lubricant
every time you have vaginal or anal sex. People who are allergic
to latex can use plastic (polyurethane) condoms which come in both
male for female styles. For oral sex on a woman, (or on
a man’s or woman’s
anus) use a barrier such as dental dam, latex condom, cut and rolled
out flat, or plastic food wrap. Use a new barrier each time. For oral sex on a man, use a new latex condom each time. Never share sex toys. If you do share, wash them well and cover
them with a new condom each time. Don’t inject drugs. If you do, never share needles or works.
If you do share works, clean them before and after each use. Wash
the syringe 3 times with clean water, 3 times with straight bleach
and 3 times again with clean water. Remember that alcohol and other drugs affect your judgment. Using
them may lead to unsafe sex or injection drug use. >top |
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Can I have sex if I have HIV?
Many
people with HIV enjoy loving and fulfilling lives. You may not feel
like having sex after you find out you have HIV. But knowing the
facts can help you practice safer sex when you are ready. Having
HIV means that you can pass the virus to others through blood, semen,
and vaginal fluids. Having sex can also expose you to other sexually
transmitted infections. You may become ill sooner if your get another
STD. To protect yourself, and others, you can practice safer sex.
This means not allowing blood, semen, or vaginal fluids from either
partner to enter the body of the other. >top |
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What happens in testing? Generally, a counselor will explain
the test to you. You can and should ask questions and talk about
your risks for HIV. The counselor will take a little blood from
your or finger, swab your cheek or gums with a special cotton pad,
or ask for a urine sample. The sample is sent to a lab. Test results
can take up to 2 weeks. You’ll return to the test site to
get your results. Many clinics offer a quick test. Results are available in a few
minutes. If the quick test is positive, you’ll need to have
a second test to be sure. Results of the second test can take up
to 2 weeks. >top |
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What is the HIV Antibody Test? The HIV antibody test tells if you have
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The test doesn’t tell if
you have AIDS or if you will develop AIDS in the future. The test
looks for HIV antibodies in your body. If antibodies are found,
you have HIV. You can give HIV to other people even if you look
and feel healthy. >top |
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Where can I go get tested? The Midwest AIDS Prevention Project
offers, by walk-in or appointment, free HIV testing, Monday thru
Friday, 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Testing is generally done at public health clinics, other AIDS
agencies, hospitals, doctor’s offices, or at home with a
home testing kit. >top |
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What are the symptoms of HIV? There are some cases that report no symptoms.
However some have experienced chronic fatigue, flu-like symptoms,
headache, muscle aches, night sweats, fever, diarrhea, swollen
lymph nodes, and unusual skin manifestations. Women have been known
to experience recurring yeast infections, irregular menstrual period,
invasive cervical cancer, and/or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). >top |
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Can you get HIV from oral sex? Yes. However, the risk of transmitting
HIV through oral sex is lesser than vaginal and/or anal. For oral
sex on a woman, (or on a man’s or woman’s anus) use
a barrier such as dental dam, latex condom, cut and rolled out
flat, or plastic food wrap. Use a new barrier each time. For oral
sex on a man, use a new latex condom each time. >top |
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