The difference between HIV negative and positive

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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A negative or positive HIV antibody test indicates whether or not a person has been infected with the HIV virus. A negative result, denoted by "−", means that the person has not been infected with HIV, while a positive result, indicated by "+", means that the person has been infected. However, if this result comes from an initial screening test, a positive screening requires further confirmatory testing. Only if the confirmatory test is positive can it be definitively confirmed that the person has been infected with HIV. If the confirmatory test is negative, but the individual has engaged in high-risk sexual behavior, it is recommended to undergo another screening test after three months. If this test is also negative, HIV infection can be ruled out.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Does AIDS cause itching?

People with AIDS experience itching because pruritus is one of the most common symptoms in AIDS patients. It can occur relatively early in the disease. This type of itching occurs without primary skin rashes and is so severe that it is unbearable. In severe cases, there may be a tendency towards suicide. Therefore, in treatment, we use antihistamines with sedative effects. Oral administration is combined with the external application of moisturizing and anti-itch medications. When necessary, ultraviolet light exposure can be used, or it can be combined with other methods.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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How to cure AIDS?

AIDS currently cannot be eradicated or cured. This is because after the HIV virus infects the human body, it forms a viral reservoir within the immune system. The current anti-HIV medications only suppress the replication of the HIV virus, but are unable to effectively eliminate the viral reservoir. This is why AIDS cannot be cured. It requires long-term and regular medication adherence. If medications are not taken on time or are discontinued without authorization, the disease is very likely to relapse.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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What are the symptoms of AIDS?

The primary symptoms of AIDS are mainly due to immunodeficiency and opportunistic infections caused by a weakened immune system. During the acute phase of AIDS, the virus replicates in large numbers, leading to immune damage and disorder. In the acute phase, symptoms such as rashes, fever, sore throat, weight loss, and diarrhea are common. During the symptomatic phase, symptoms like unexplained fever, diarrhea, chest tightness, coughing, phlegm, and numerous white secretions on the oral tongue are commonly observed.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How long does it take to know if you are infected with AIDS?

After being infected with the HIV virus, 50% to 70% of people will experience symptoms similar to a cold, such as fever, headache, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, occasional nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes, all occurring around half a month later. Of course, some people may not exhibit any symptoms at all. If symptoms do appear, they generally disappear within a month. At this time, it is necessary to conduct a screening test between the first and second month. If necessary, another screening test can be performed in the third month to determine whether there is an HIV infection.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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When does AIDS occur?

About half a month after being initially infected with HIV, 50%-70% of people will experience symptoms similar to those of a cold, including headache, fever, sore throat, pain in muscles and joints, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of lymph nodes throughout the body, or the appearance of maculopapular rashes on the skin. These symptoms will all disappear within about a month, after which the individual will enter a latent period that generally lasts from 1 to 10 years, before progressing to the AIDS phase. Once in the AIDS phase, various symptoms can occur at any time throughout the body.