Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. My bisexual spouse, now ex, was diagnosed HIV positive in 1994. I underwent multiple tests for the virus for 2 years (all negative), blood taken every 6 months. An old friend phoned this am and told me her sister has AIDS and contracted it from her gay spouse. Her doctor told her that the virus can remain dormant for 15 years. I'm now freaking out as I have been loosing alot of weight. Is that true? I had been told that it can only be dormant for 6 months. Whats the truth? Should I get retested?
Trevor Hawkins, M. D.
Associate Clinical Professor, Dept. Family Practice, University New Mexico
Medical Director, Southwest CARE Center, Santa Fe, NM
No, your friend's sister got the wrong information and you are correct. The vast majority of people infected with HIV test positive at 3 months; a few may delay testing positive until 6 months. No worries. Be safe.
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