What causes body aches if the HIV test is negative?

Question

Hello doctor,

What is the window period for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)? I was tested negative on the 95th day after a possible exposure. But, I have all symptoms, like headaches, increase appetite, weight gain, body pains, and a blood vessel broke in my eye. I am having a lot of body pain. What are the symptoms of HIV? Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The window period is the time taken for antibodies to develop against infection and get detected by a test. During the window period, the test might come back false negative, even though a person might be infected. But your HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) negative result at the 95th day is highly conclusive.

Headaches could have multiple reasons. Get your general physical examination, including eye examination and BP (blood pressure) monitoring, done. A good appetite is a sign of good health. Generalized body aches again could have multiple causes, and a general physical examination will help.

Symptoms generally appear for a short duration after the HIV infection. This is then followed by a long symptom-free period. An eye examination will help to rule out local eye problems.

If you are so worried, get your repeat HIV test at six months of exposure, which I am sure will be negative in your case.

Best wishes.