- Male
- 26 Years
- 22/01/2025
I'm really worried and need some guidance. After being exposed, when do HIV symptoms typically start to appear? Or is it possible that there might not be any noticeable symptoms at all? Can you explain this to me?
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
HIV symptoms can appear anywhere from 2-4 weeks after exposure, with some people experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, while others may not show any symptoms at all; this asymptomatic period can last for years, making it essential to get tested for HIV if you've been exposed or engaged in high-risk activities, as early detection and treatment can significantly improve health outcomes.
Dr. Kareemulla Suggests...
Consult a Infectious Disease specialist
Answered 04/07/2025
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More Infectious Disease Health Queries
View allI'm really worried about how long HIV can live outside the body. Like, if someone with HIV accidentally gets a drop of blood on a chair or table, is it still dangerous if I touch that same spot after 30 minutes? Can the virus still be active?
HIV survives outside the body for a short period: 15-30 minutes on a dry surface, up to 72 hours in a moist environment, but risk of transmission through casual contact is extremely low, and standard household cleaning and disinfection kill HIV.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
I'm worried about HIV and was wondering what the symptoms are if you test positive. Also, is there any possibility of a cure? I'd really like to know how I can protect myself from this disease.
HIV positive symptoms are mostly non specific. About two-thirds of people experience a flu-like illness within 2 to 4 weeks of infection. Symptoms include: Fever Chills Rash Night sweats Muscle aches Sore throat Fatigue Swollen lymph nodes Mouth ulcers. Treatment is there if one get diagnosed with HIV positive. There are several ways to reduce the risk of HIV infection, including: Condoms: Use a condom correctly every time you have sex, especially with partners who are HIV positive or whose HIV status is unknown. Limit sexual partners: Reduce the number of sexual partners you have. Get tested: Get tested for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). PrEP: Take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an HIV prevention medicine, daily or as a long-acting injection. PrEP is only available by prescription from a licensed health care provider. PEP: Take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours of a possible exposure to HIV. Avoid sharing needles: Never share needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment. If you can't access new equipment, you can sterilize what you have. Harm reduction services: Use harm reduction services for people who inject and use drugs. Male circumcision: Get a voluntary medical male circumcision.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
Can you use a vacutainer needle without a safety lock on a different patient if its already been used on someone else? Also, is there a risk that the blood might clot in the needle, causing it not to work properly? What are the chances of someone getting HIV if blood is accidentally drawn with a needle that's already been used? Even if the blood is flowing out and not in, is there still a risk of HIV transmission?
kindly don't use contaminated needles or Vacutainer's and follow proper sterilized methods . Yes, there is a chance of transmission of various infections not only HIV. There are many other infections as well.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.