How to check if you have AIDS
Feb 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, methods to check for HIV infection include self-assessment of exposure history, observation of personal symptoms, antibody testing, nucleic acid testing, and urine testing. If necessary, it is recommended to visit a qualified hospital and follow the guidance of a professional doctor. If you have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior or received blood or blood products that might have been contaminated with HIV, please seek professional medical assistance promptly.
Generally speaking, methods to check for HIV infection include self-assessment of exposure history, observation of personal symptoms, antibody testing, nucleic acid testing, and urine testing. If necessary, it is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and follow the guidance of professional doctors. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Self-assessment of exposure history
If you have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior, received blood or blood products potentially contaminated with HIV, or used medical instruments that were not strictly sterilized, you may be at risk of infection.
2. Observation of personal symptoms
In the early stages of HIV infection, symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may appear. However, these symptoms are not specific and can be confused with other diseases.
3. Antibody testing
If HIV exists in the body, it will stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. Testing for these antibodies in the blood can determine whether an HIV infection is present.
4. Nucleic acid testing
HIV nucleic acid testing directly detects viral nucleic acids in the blood and offers higher sensitivity and accuracy. This method can detect viral infection before antibodies are produced.
5. Urine testing
Urine samples can be collected and tested using specific methods to detect HIV antibodies or related markers. This approach can be used for preliminary screening but cannot serve as a definitive diagnostic basis.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and moderate exercise, can help strengthen the immune system and resist viral invasion.
