AboutKristen Brannock, MPH Expertise I can answer any of your questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.
Experience I trained with the Red Cross to be an HIV/AIDS counselor and I am a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service.
Organizations CARES and trained by the Red Cross I also have my Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education.
Question I got a Tatoo done about 13 months back, and I want to know how long it takes for me to know whether I am infected or not?? And what are the symptoms?? Please Help..
Answer If the tattoo shop followed correct procedures, you would not run any chance of infection. If a new needle was used, then trasmission is not possible.
If unsafe conditions were present, I suggest testing 3 months after the possible exposure. There is a 1-3 month window period with the HIV test meaning that if you test too early, you could receive a false negative.
The only early symptoms of HIV infection are similar to flu/cold symptoms and last no longer than 2 weeks. This is a result of being infected with a virus (any virus infection leads to these types of symptoms). HIV-related symptoms because of a damaged immune system take years to develop.
