Wouldn’t I know if I had HIV?

I’m Dr. David and you can ask me anything about HIV.

Oh, this is a really good question. Let me break it down for you.

You wouldn’t necessarily know if you had HIV. HIV can sometimes just go on its merry way. You may have a mild illness at the beginning or nothing at all and then it stays in your body just reproducing.
As soon as that test is positive, that virus is working actively against your immune system. So, the sooner you can get on medications control how fast the virus re replicates itself, then you’re gonna reduce the amount of destruction that happens to your immune system.

This video is a joint production of KFF’s GREATER THAN HIV and CDC’s LET’S STOP HIV TOGETHER. This information is shared for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at the time of filming.

Always consult a healthcare provider for any personal health decisions. The marks “CDC” and “Let’s Stop HIV Together” are owned by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services and are used with permission. Use of these logos is not an endorsement by HHS or CDC of any particular product, service, or enterprise.