They are still capable of passing the virus on to others. Infected and well - no symptoms or signs are present, but the blood test is positive. Infected and ill - a combination of persistent symptoms may occur such as weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, dry cough, diarrhea, swollen lymph glands, memory loss, confusion and depression. Infected and diagnosed with certain infections or cancers. There is a blood test for HIV antibodies.
Antibodies are markers that are produced by the body after the virus enters the blood stream.
After a person comes in contact with HIV it may take up to 6 months for the blood test to become positive. HIV antibody testing is available at your doctor or the Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic. The test is free and confidential. Your health care provider will tell you your test results. A variety of drugs are now available which improve health and life expectancy.