How long is the HIV window period?

Many people believe that the AIDS window period is not contagious. In fact, this idea is wrong. During the window period, the virus is still highly contagious. Generally speaking, the AIDS window period is about two to three weeks. Of course, the window period varies from individual to individual. Some patients will experience some symptoms during the window period, such as sore throat, nausea, vomiting, persistent low fever, etc.

Since the discovery of AIDS in 1981, the definition of the AIDS window period has undergone many changes with the continuous advancement of detection methods. Initially in the 1980s and 1990s, research on AIDS was still in its infancy.

The American Foundation for AIDS Research (AMFAR), led by Dr. Mathilde Krim, Ph.D., proposed the concept of a three-month AIDS window period in early AIDS research. This was in response to the relatively backward detection methods at the time. This concept was adopted by the World Health Organization and was also included in medical textbooks in countries around the world.

After the emergence of HIV antibody testing methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and double sandwich method, the HIV window period has been shortened to 6 weeks when the HIV antibody peak appears in the most conservative sense. At present, with the continuous development of AIDS testing technology, the window period of AIDS can be shortened to 14 to 21 days for the currently widely used third and fourth generation double sandwich method, enzyme-linked method and chemiluminescence method. In this regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) clearly stated that the AIDS window period (Window Period) is 14 to 21 days.

Some infected people develop clinical symptoms caused by viremia and acute damage to the immune system, similar to influenza or infectious mononucleosis symptoms. Most patients have mild clinical symptoms, which last for 1 to 3 weeks before remission. The most common clinical manifestation is fever, which may be accompanied by sore throat, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, joint pain, lymphadenopathy and neurological symptoms. If you experience similar symptoms after engaging in high-risk behavior, you should be careful.