Q: I got married three years back and have one son. Two years ago my husband underwent a medical checkup prior to going abroad and he tested HIV positive and so I have taken divorce. Two years back HIV test was done for me and my son and we were negative. I even got tested at New Delhi (special HIV test) which too was negative. My last test in Hyderabad was also negative but the doctor says that next year I should again get tested as HIV can occur anytime between five to fifteen years. My family wants me to marry again but how can I marry, what if I get HIV in future? I am working as a medical lab technician in Saudi Arabia. I am totally confused and don't know what to do? Doctor, please tell me if there is any solution? Can I marry again?

A:Please stop worrying about your HIV status. You have had repeated tests and your last possible exposure was 2 or 3 years ago. Your doctor is correct in saying that there is a period between infection and when the test results become positive. This so called window period is usually not longer than 3 months and only in very rare cases it can be up to 6 months. There is no question of the HIV status not showing up for 5 to 15 years. You have not contracted HIV infection and there is no reason why you should not marry and have a happy life and more children if you so desire. Stop worrying. Your tests are negative, you are not infected. Be glad and live a normal life in every way.