Do I have HIV? Are these HIV symptoms?

Many individuals grow concerned that the health symptoms they are showing maybe those of the HIV virus.  This can be a cause of anxiety and stress for the individual which may then go on to worsen their perceptions of the symptoms they are showing. 

Before we discuss what may be possible HIV symptoms let us first look at the HIV virus.  The HIV virus is typically transmitted through an exchange of bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids or blood.  Hypothetically the transmission may occur during oral sex as this can involve the exchange of HIV carrying fluids.

Needle sharing and unprotected sexual intercourse are common methods of transmission.  Once the HIV virus enters the bloodstream of an individual the immune system of that individual will began to produce antibodies in an effort to destroy the virus.  It is these antibodies that HIV tests detect showing that the individual does in fact have the HIV virus.  Of the period of time after infection to the presence of HIV antibodies is commonly referred to as the HIV window period. 

During this time HIV is undetectable and the body is manufacturing antibodies.  This process may cause a viral responds with in the body and can show some symptoms similar to a flu or other viral infection.  It is important to note that no set of symptoms is unique to HIV infection and as such no physical symptoms can serve as a diagnosis.  Of many individuals will show no symptoms at all as they passed through this period can produce HIV antibodies.  So when asking the question “do I have HIV?” , the only way to be certain of the answer is to take an HIV test.  In Australia and individual has various options for HIV testing including the purchase of online self test kits.