Pls advise how is diarrhoea associated with acute HIV. If for instance, I go to toilet twice daily during a 3-day period, first time normal, but passing out mucus not sure of spelling...i mean water like substance) the second time, is it consistent with acute HIV? This accompanies low-grade fever and slight headache.

Regards.
TT

Your symptoms are very non-specific and could be caused by just about any illness.

The only way to know whether or not you have been infected is to get tested.

Even if you don't want to do that, at the very least go see your doctor about the diarrhea thing. It may not rule out HIV, but it will at least give you an explanation of your symptoms and probably some medicine to relieve them.

I just completed a home HIV test by Discreet which was negative. Are they accurate ? I have had symptoms of something for over 1 year now.

Not sure I can go through the tension of a re-test.

Hello Stodgy. I believe Home Access tests are pretty accurate. I have used them myself on a prior ocassion (was also freaking out about symptoms that ended up being a brochial pneumonia). I did the home acces and a regular lab test, and both came back negative. Plus you are mentioning a year from exposure. Most (if not all) people show antibodies at 6mo's (CDC hotline told me 80% do it at 3)

I would suggest not to worry about HIV, but yes to worry about what you are feeling and seek medical help, maybe other kinds of tests.

I am going through a very hard time myself right now...after some stupid things I did and I have felt sick too...but its only been a month. Thanks to all the people that help me to recover at least a bit of optimism. I say the same to you...You are most likely NOT infected, and if you take another test (which you are very welcome to do so for your peace of mind), you will most likey be negative.

Be safe, be smart, live life!

Just a small correction. I now see you mentioned "Discreet" test, which is a non-FDA approved test, and not Home Access. Little or none is known (at least here in the US) about the accuracy of such test (it being so quick and claiming to detect HIV as soon as 28 days). But again...you took it after a year...if you were positive, even an ELISA test which requires at least 3 months would have picked up positive.

To be honest with you, I have also just ordered one of those to help me with my anxiety (since I cant test with ELISA yet) and I'm fixing to see how it works. Most people comment that its accuracy is relative (when done very early after exp.), meaning that if it comes out positive, chances are you really are, but if its neg, its posible one can still be +. The truth is...and the people who sell it agree...regardless of the result, you should be tested after the window period to make sure.

You are WAY pver the window period, I understand its hard to take a test, I have taken 2 already in the past, but....if you could find a doctor you trusted who is understanding (as I did), believe me it will help you bunches in giving you courage and patience to wait for results.

Sorry forthe confusion and hope you get over your problems soon.