HIV incubation time - is first 7 days infectious?

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Roger Black - 06 Jul 2005 22:43 GMT

Are people contagious during the 'fever' stage that may occur a few
days after infection?
Is there any way to detect this, AIUI a PCR test won't do it.

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Brian Mailman - 07 Jul 2005 00:12 GMT

> Are people contagious

HIV isn't "contagious."

> during the 'fever' stage that may occur a few days after infection?

If you're referring to seroconversion "illness" that can happen whenever
a person seroconverts--not "a few days after infection."

> Is there any way to detect this, AIUI a PCR test won't do it.

The standard test detects antibodies to the HIV virus; thus, a person
has to have produced them to test positive.

If you think you've been exposed, then by all means, obtain a test and
repeat 3 months after you think you've been exposed. If you wish to be
very thorough, then in another 3 months (6 months after possible exposure).

B/

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Death - 07 Jul 2005 07:26 GMT

"Brian Mailman" <bmailman@sfo.invalid> wrote in message

> > Are people contagious
>
> HIV isn't "contagious."

That's right Roger, hiv isn't contagious.
That is why so few people have it.

It is only a virus, you know, like the common cold.
Look at how hard that is to spread.

Come to think of it, that virus doesn't have a cure either.

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Brian Mailman - 07 Jul 2005 18:14 GMT

> "Brian Mailman" <bmailman@sfo.invalid> wrote in message
>
>> > Are people contagious
>>
>> HIV isn't "contagious."

No, Diablo... (hint, Roger, google on that nick in this group and you
might think about what advice to take from that source) it's infectious,
entirely different.

> It is only a virus, you know, like the common cold.
> Look at how hard that is to spread.

Unlike a rhinovirus, HIV isn't spread by airborne means or casual contact.

> Come to think of it, that virus doesn't have a cure either.

Actually, once you've had one, you're immune to it. It's just that
there are so many rhinovirii....

B/

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