*Warning - Contains Sexual ContentHIV INCUBATION AND HOW HIV VIRUS IS SPREAD
The HIV virus is spread through:
- Unprotected Sex (sex without a male or female condom) with someone who is already infected with the virus;
- An exchange of body fluids (semen, blood, blood borne products, or vaginal fluids) with someone who already has the virus;
- Using another injecting drug users needle if that user has the HIV virus, without first cleaning the needle with bleach and water;
It may take six (6) to twelve (12) weeks for antibodie's to show up in your system.
Most cases of HIV are spread through unprotected anal or vaginal sex with an HIV infected partner. Some Hemophiliacs have contracted the HIV virus through blood transfusions. Some injecting drug users have contracted the virus by sharing unclean needles. Some children have contracted the virus during childbirth. Unprotected sex means any kind of sex. Though studies have shown that a low percentage of HIV positive cases have been attributed to oral sex, oral sex without the use of dental dams or latex condoms can still put you at risk. Why? Because your mouth can become a portal through which the virus may enter your body. Any cut or scratch that is exposed to blood, semen, or vaginal fluids of a person who is HIV positive can be a portal for the virus to enter into your body.
The incubation period for HIV is lengthy. For example, you can have sex with an HIV positive person, take a HIV test the next day, and the test may come back negative. Why? Because the antibodies haven't really built up in your system yet. It takes anywhere from six (6) to twelve (12) weeks for the antibodies to build up in your system. If you have unprotected sex with a person who is HIV positive, you are at risk for contracting the virus. If you find out after you have had sex, that a person is HIV positive, you should get tested immediately, then wait at least six (6) to twelve (12) weeks after youve had your first test to take another test to make sure you have not contracted the HIV virus.
