Sunday, February 7, 2010

True or False the incubation time for the HIV virus can be as long as 7 years?

OK......you are using the word incubation incorrectly in this case. Technically, incubation period is the time between infection and symptoms......here's the issue:





It can take many years for the CLASSIC HIV symptoms to appear in a person, as the classic symptoms are a result of a weakened immune system. It can take HIV many years sometimes 7,10 or more to get to that point.





But, up to 90% of peope who acquire HIV actually show symptoms within the first few months of being infected -- acute retroviral syndrome. The incubation period for HIV is actually (in the vast majority of cases) quite short. These symptoms are often missed or are not seen as important as they are similar to the symptoms for many common, less serious infections.





Another reason why I avoid the word incubation period is that it is misconstrued by many. Many people would look at the statement, ';HIV has an incubation period of 10 years'; and think that it can take up to 10 years before a person tests positive, or that it can take up to 10 years for someone to be considered infectious (latency period).





I would avoid the use of the word incubation period because of this. I know it sounds like threading hairs, but when you are speaking about such an important topic, you don't want anyone to misunderstand your point!





To answer your question, it can take many years for the classic advanced HIV disease symptoms to appear. But chances are, it is not the first actual symptom of HIV infection they experienced.True or False the incubation time for the HIV virus can be as long as 7 years?
False. it can go up to 10 yearsTrue or False the incubation time for the HIV virus can be as long as 7 years?
I'm pretty sure it can be up to 10.
Sort of. It can take a person with HIV 7 years or more to develop AIDS.

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