About HIV
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the immune system’s CD4 (T) cells. The body cannot clear HIV, so once infected a person has it for life. Without treatment it can progress to AIDS, leaving the body unable to fight infections.
HIV is found in blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. It spreads through sexual contact, shared needles, transfusion of infected blood, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
Symptoms
What to Watch For
- Flu-like illness 2–4 weeks after infection
- Fever, chills and night sweats
- Rash, sore throat, mouth or genital ulcers
- Swollen lymph glands, mainly in the neck
- Muscle and joint aches, headache, diarrhoea
- Early symptoms can be mild enough to go unnoticed
Test Options
How CARIGEN Tests
- HIV / Hep B / Hep C Panel — identification in a single panel
A standalone HIV test is coming soon.