What are the early symptoms of HIV?
The early symptoms of an HIV infection are very similar to many other illnesses, including the common cold. Symptoms can include fever, headache, rash, sore throat, chest infections, and vomiting. Given these symptoms occur frequently for many other infections and diseases, the only way to know your HIV status for sure is to get tested.
What are the later symptoms of HIV?
After any initial symptoms, many people have an asymptomatic phase, and may not notice anything is wrong with them for a period of years. During this time, HIV does start to damage the body if it is not kept under control with medication. You may find that it takes longer to recover from an illness in this time and that you do not respond to medication in an expected way.
When should I get tested?
Better2Know has two testing options depending on how long ago your potential exposure was.
- For over 10 days, you can choose our Early Detection Screen which is an HIV RNA test
- For over 28 days, you can choose our HIV Duo test
If you choose the Early Detection Screen, you should follow up at 28 days with the HIV Duo test.
How long does it take to get my results?
Results for the Better2Know 28 Day Duo test will be ready one day from when your sample is received in our Laboratory. For the Early Detection 10 Day test, results will be ready in only three days from when your sample is received in our laboratory.
How confidential is the service?
The Better2Know HIV and STI testing service is absolutely confidential. We will ask you for a name, date of birth and a means to contact you for your results but what information you provide is entirely up to you. This information is used only to identify your sample at our laboratory. Your results are 100% confidential and will be known only to you and Better2Know. Your results will not be shared with any third parties.