What are the symptoms and phases of HIV?
The symptoms and the severity of HIV differ from individual to individual. There are five distinctive phases of HIV.

Phase 1: Asymptomatic Incubation Period
HIV is present and replicating in their blood but will generally have no detectable symptoms. This is a particularly dangerous period for possible transmission. During this phase an infected person converts from HIV negative to HIV positive. This phase is estimated to last between four weeks and six months.

Phase 2: Acute Primary Infection Stage
Individuals experience flu like symptoms, including fever, swollen glands, skin rash, and a sense of malaise. The individual may not associate these symptoms specifically with HIV. During this phase, an infected individual will create a detectable amount of HIV antibodies. A HIV antibody test will show a positive result. This phase is estimated to last one to two weeks.
top

Phase 3: Asymptomatic Phase
Characterized by a long period of relatively good health, the HIV virus is still replicating in the body and is slowly eroding the ability of the immune system to fight off illnesses. The length of this phase varies from person to person. It is generally dependent on the overall health of the individual, personal care practices and the overall ability of the immune system to fight off disease.

Phase 4: Symptomatic Phase
The early onset of serious symptoms begins to occur. Infections that a person with a healthy, intact immune system could fight off will begin to make the HIV+ person ill. The symptoms of this phase include, persistent fever, drenching night sweats, diarrhea, enlargement of the lymph nodes, weight loss, oral lesions, fatigue, rashes, cognitive slowing and severe pain in the hands and feet.

Phase 5: Diagnosis of AIDS
This phase occurs when a persons (T-cell) count falls below 200 and the person is diagnosed as having one of 26 opportunistic infections.
top

What Is HIV Testing?
HIV testing tells you if you are infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes AIDS. These tests look for "antibodies" to HIV. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight a specific germ.
top

How Do I Get Tested?
You can arrange for HIV testing at any Public Health office, or at your doctor's office. Test results are usually available within two weeks. In Akron, call the AIDS Hotline at (330) 375-2000 to find a test site. In other areas, call the Ohio AIDS Hotline,
1-800-332-2437.
top

When Should I Get Tested?
If you become infected with HIV, it usually takes between three weeks and two months for your immune system to produce antibodies to HIV. If you think you were exposed to HIV, you should wait for two months before being tested. You can also test right away and then again after two or three months. During this "window period" an antibody test will give a negative result, but you can transmit the virus to others if you are infected.
top

What Does It Mean if I Test Positive?
A positive test result means that you have HIV antibodies, and are infected with HIV. You will get your test result from a counselor who should tell you what to expect, and where to get health services and emotional support Testing positive does not mean that you have AIDS. Many people who test positive stay healthy for several years, even if they don't start taking medication right away. If you test negative and you have not been exposed to HIV for at least three months, you are not infected with HIV. Continue to protect yourself from HIV infection.
top

Can I Keep the Test Result Confidential?
You can be tested anonymously or confidentially by Community AIDS Network. With anonymous testing, you do not have to give your name when you are tested, instead you are known as a number. However, You can get a copy of your results if you test confidentially, by giving your name.
top

How Accurate Are the Tests?
Antibody test results for HIV are accurate 99.5% of the time. Before you get the results, the test has usually been done two or more times.
top

What if my question is not on this list?
To have other questions answered call Community AIDS Network at 330.375.2000 or the 24-hour hotline at 330.375.AIDS
top

What is the latest news from CAN?
Visit the current activities page for more information
top

What are the latest fund raising activities?
Visit the current activities page for more information
top

How can I make a donation or volunteer to help?
Visit the how you can help page for more information
top

Are there other Websites I can visit to get information?
Yes, there is more information at the following websites:

Please note that these sites will open in a new browser window to preserve you current link to Community AIDS Network.

Information on HIV and AIDS from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Department of Health and Human Services:

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/general.htm

AIDS Organizations:

http://www.rainbow-akron.com/orgs-01.htm

http://www.aids.org/

http://www.unaids.org/en/default.asp

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/aids.html

top