Several studies have shown that low blood viral load levels in the early stages of HIV disease are associated with less severe illness and slower disease progression. Some even think that it might be possible to eradicate, or completely kill off HIV, if treatment is started very early. So far, though, complete HIV eradication has not occurred, and most doctors recommend that anti-HIV treatment should be continued indefinitely once it is started. This term refers to the time when the body begins producing antibodies to the virus. Nearly all people will develop antibodies within six months after infection.
Most people develop antibodies within three months and some can take up to six months.
People who get tested need to wait at least three months for the test. If their first result is negative, they should come back for a second test three months later. In most people, however, a faster decline of the immune system occurs at some point, and the virus rapidly replicates. This damage can be seen in blood tests, such as lowered T-cell counts, before any actual symptoms are experienced. People who are HIV-positive should see a doctor to monitor their immune systems.