antibodies question - HIV Prevention Message Board

durtro · 09-09-2004, 10:49 AM

Hi, I recently spoke to a counselor at the GMHC, and he told me that if one were to get symptoms indicating the acute stage of HIV, the body would have "without a doubt" built up enough antibodies to detect the HIV by 8 weeks (the time I tested negative, as I mentioned in my other thread). This is the first time I've ever heard anyone make such a statement...is this accurate? He seemed incredibly confident about it. He said the 3 to 6 month period is intended for people who may not have gotten symptoms, or who got symptoms later on (not in the initial two or three weeks), but if you started getting ARS symptoms (which indicates that your body is seroconverting), your test would have come up positive much quicker. This is probably the most reassuring thing I've heard in a while, assuming it's true! Does anyone have any feelings or opinions about this? I know the GMHC is one of the leading authorities on HIV/AIDS, so that's a good sign.

nyxin · 09-09-2004, 12:06 PM

well i guess i am out of the loop. i don't know what the GMHC is.

the only comment i have is that the CDC (Center for Disease Control) still says to test at 90 days. i am sure that is so it covers 99% or so of the exposed individuals. is it possible that a person would show anti-bodies in 8 weeks? yes, it is very possible. but because no one knows for sure how each persons immune system will react time wise, i think the 90 day mark is a great point of refrence. just my 2 cents.

durtro · 09-09-2004, 12:44 PM

GMHC = Gay Men's Health Crisis. They offer support and information to anyone (straight or gay, man or woman) who is worried about a possible HIV infection, or who has already been tested positive, or even just wants some education.

victoria48 · 09-10-2004, 02:22 AM

I would certainly take it as a really good sign that you tested negative at eight weeks. Obviously every person's body is different and some people do develop the antibodies within this time frame.

Personally, if I tested negative at eight weeks, I would still return for my 3 month test just to put my own mind at rest.

The three month time frame is so commonly referred to that it would still be on my mind to test at 3 months.