Cite this Response
Alice! Health Promotion. "How long does it take for HIV antibodies and symptoms to develop after exposure?." Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University, 31 Mar. 2025, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/how-long-does-it-take-hiv-antibodies-and-symptoms-develop-after-exposure. Accessed 24, Apr. 2025.
Alice! Health Promotion. (2025, March 31). How long does it take for HIV antibodies and symptoms to develop after exposure?. Go Ask Alice!, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/how-long-does-it-take-hiv-antibodies-and-symptoms-develop-after-exposure.
Dear Alice,
My question is about AIDS/HIV: I had a sexual affair that lasted two-and-a-half months, and, unfortunately, I was not using condoms. I happen to know nothing about my partner's previous sex life. I know that, for a test to show something, you must wait for six to nine months. I would like to know whether, provided that I am infected, I will experience any symptoms in this six to nine month period? Is it possible to have the virus and not have any symptoms or indications all this time? Right now, I am a graduate student and I am experiencing anxiety, fatigue, sleepiness, weight loss (three to five pounds in the last two months). Are these related to the disease, or is it just in my mind?
Grateful to you,
Thank you in advance,
Wrongdoer
Dear Wrongdoer,
It’s natural to feel concerned when it comes to your health, and getting informed is the first step toward peace of mind. The good news is you’ve come to the right place to get judgement free information and advice so no wrongdoing here. It may ease your concerns to know that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and treatment have come a long way, allowing for early detection and effective management of the infection. While many people experience HIV infection symptoms early on, many others don’t. That said, most people produce detectable levels of antibodies within three months of becoming infected with HIV. However, if you test negative within this period, it’s still recommended to get re-tested after the window period to confirm your HIV status. Read on to learn more about HIV and testing!
What are the stages of HIV infection?
HIV infection typically progresses in three stages:
- Acute HIV infection: This occurs within two to four weeks of exposure. Some individuals experience flu-like symptoms such as a fever, sore throat, and fatigue. However, not everyone with acute HIV infection will have symptoms.
- Chronic HIV infection: This next stage can last for years. Even though many people do not experience any symptoms, the virus continues to replicate and damage the immune system. Without treatment, HIV will eventually progress further.
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): AIDS severely compromises the immune system and can be deadly if untreated. Individuals with AIDS are vulnerable to opportunistic infections and can experience various symptoms from these infections. In addition, they may experience general symptoms such as fevers, weight loss, sores, headaches, and memory difficulties.
Ultimately, symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and weight loss can be related to many things, and they’re commonly experienced by people in stressful environments like grad school. While some individuals with HIV infection experience flu-like symptoms soon after HIV exposure, others stay symptom-free for many years.
When can HIV infection be detected?
No test will immediately detect HIV after exposure. So, if you’re wondering when to hit the clinic, it might depend on the test you’ll be taking. Tests for HIV infection include:
- Antibody tests: Most people develop detectable antibodies within three months of infection, but some may test positive on an antibody test as early as four to six weeks after HIV exposure.
- Antigen/antibody tests: These tests can detect HIV earlier, typically within two to four weeks after infection.
- Nucleic acid tests (NATs): These tests detect the virus itself and are the earliest method of detection, identifying HIV within approximately 10 to 30 days after infection.
If you initially test negative on one of these tests but you suspect that you were exposed to HIV, consider getting re-tested after what’s known as the window period. The window period is the time between initial infection and when HIV is detectable. The window period is three months for antibody tests, two to four weeks for antigen/antibody tests, and 10 to 30 days for NATs.
How can you treat or prevent HIV infection?
If you test positive for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help manage the infection. ART can reduce the viral load to undetectable levels and prevent the progression of HIV infection to AIDS.
If you’re HIV-negative but hoping for some extra protection, you might consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Additionally, if you think you’ve been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, it’s recommended to take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication, which reduces the risk of HIV infecting you even if you were exposed. Another great way to protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections is to use a barrier method like a condom during sexual activity.
The only way to know your HIV status for sure is to get tested. When it comes to your health, ignorance is never bliss. To get tested, visit a health care provider, a local clinic, or a hospital. If thinking about HIV testing is causing you distress or anxiety, you might find it useful to meet with a mental health professional, who can help you discuss your worries and any test results.
Take care,