World AIDS Day 2017: When you should get tested for HIV after having unprotected sex

Here's why you should get tested for HIV after 90 days of having unprotected sex.

Getting tested for HIV is the only way to know if you have an HIV infection. According to a doctor, one should not wait for the symptoms to appear to get tested for HIV/AIDS as in most cases, you may not even experience any symptoms of HIV infection/AIDS. And this is the reason, why most people who are infected with HIV virus fail to detect the infection at the earliest. AIDS expert Dr V Sam Prasad, Country Programme Director, AIDS Healthcare Foundation explains who should get tested for HIV infection and when should you get tested for it? Read about the what is the difference between HIV and AIDS.

Who should get tested for HIV infection?

After unprotected sex either with a man or woman -- be it bisexual or homosexual (gay and lesbian), they must get tested to be safe side.

When should you get tested?

If you have unprotected sex, then it is recommended to get tested after the window period is over as these tests are sensitive after this time. Here's everything you need to know about getting tested for HIV.

What is the window period for HIV?

Once the HIV virus gets into the body, it takes around 3 - 6 months for the viral particles to appear in the blood. Usually, the virus starts multiplying and can be seen within 3 months in the blood. But in some cases, it could take more time say six months, which is the phase of infection. After a person gets infected by the virus, they may experience a spike in the temperature and feel a malaise, which usually stays for 2-3 days or one week. As these symptoms overlap the viral symptoms and usually subside within a week, you may not even know that you might be infected with the virus. Hence, it is advised to get tested after 90 days of having unprotected sex (the day of unprotected sex being day one).

Once a person has a negative result within this window period of 90 days, then it is recommended to get tested for HIV again after 90 days. Usually, the test kits are sensitive and there is a high possibility of getting accurate results post 90 days. Read about how long does it take for HIV infection to turn into full-blown AIDS?

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