Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 4/22/2005

Question
Dear Kristen,

How long does it takes to show the earliers symptom?  
And what are the symptoms of and early infected one?

And if that particular person have an intercourse with an AIDS carrier, how high is the possibility of that particular person gets the disease? And how does that particular person knows whether he/she gets it or not? Should he/she go for a blood test or urine test? What other test should he/she get?

If this particular person gets an HIV disease, can he/she come in contact with any other people? Does he/she has to be separated from other people? What precaution should he/she take?

Lastly, I would like to ask whether if AIDS can be cured or not? Even in the early stage? or almost the last few stage?

Eric  

Answer
The common early symptoms of HIV infection are similiar to those of the flu: diarrhea, weight loss, swollen glands, fatigue. Although, most people do not develop symptoms for years.

If a person has unprotected sex with an infected person they have put themselves at risk of contracting HIV-I cannot say what the exact possibiity is. The only way to know if one is infected is to seek an HIV test-either by blood, or saliva.

People with HIV do not have to be separated from other people-the virus is not spread through casual contact. However, the person should make sure to engage in safer sex in order to help protect their partners.

No, HIV nor AIDS can be cured, only treated. That is why it is important to seek care early on so a treatment regimen can be started.