Can ordinary Blood Test diagnose HIV? Need antibody test?

I was browsing throught previous posts in the forum, and found out that only the HIV test is the solution.
Posted this topic, because recently my immune system is totally down. I have never had a sinus infection in my life, and in the past 3 months it`s a nonstop ordeal.And inspite of all the antibiotics it`s not going away. It`s regularly accompanied with urinary tract infections, persistant colds, low-grade fever, sore-throat. I am somehow putting up with it, but recently I noticed that my girlfriend also experiences long periods of unusal colds - with sore throat, fever, chills, sweating. And her condition has always been perfect! So, I am wondering, whether it`s just a coincidence. Furthermore - we are both very tired all the time! No energy for anything.We just want to sleep whole day.
I went to be tested, the ordinary blood test didn`t show anything. But everything is just persisting.
So I wonder, can it be HIV?

When was the last suspected exposure to HIV infection?
Did you try to treat the urinary tract infections?
Sinusitis is very difficult to treat. As a result, patients typically don't get better quickly, and if they're not treated correctly they may never improve.
Can you try to see a doctor that is specialized in treating sinusitis?
Do you have skin rush?
Can you check for swollen lymph nodes?

Dear MandMS,
The last suspected exposure was about 2 years ago, stupid adventure with unproteced sex, so far though I have not had any complaints. But then all that nightmare started all of a sudden - frequents colds without any explanation, 2 times antibiotics for a UTI, another bacterial infection suspected now, the sinus infection the doctors simply refuse to treat , claiming that "it will go away with the time"...My whole immune system is completely down.
I have no skin rashes, night sweats or swollen lymph nodes. But around the same time as me my gf also started catching those colds out of nowhere, loosing weight, getting yeast infections, she is quite pale and skinny now...So I really wondered- might it be HIV? I don`t have the guts to do a test. But yet - it`s too great coincidence both of us to start showing symptomps at the same time.
Recently I did an ordinary blood test, the doctors said everything is "ok". But is it really?

Are you experiencing severe headache and pain or pressure in specific areas in the face?
Persistent cough (particularly during the day), fever, fatigue (from lack of good rest), sore throat by post-nasal drip are all symptoms of bacterial sinusitis. Subacute sinusitis lasts longer than 4 weeks but less than 8 weeks. Chronic sinusitis lasts 8 weeks or longer.

How does the fever usually range?
Do you or your girlfriend have swollen tonsils?
Can you check for a white patches on your tonsils?
Are you experiencing headache or body aches?
Have you lost your appetite?
Do you feel pain in the upper left part of the abdomen?
Are you sure you don't have swollen lymph nodes?

Dear MandMS,

Indeed, because of the sinusitis I still experience headaches, fatigue /can`t sleep at night, very tired during the day/, I am coughing a lot. I also have a swollen "patch" around the right sinus area, just under my rght eye, which is there already 4th month. But according to the doctors, that`s normal.
The fever is low grade, mostly 37.5-38 degrees. We don`t have swollen tonsils neither patches on the tonsils. My GP checked me especially for swollen lymph nodes, but said there`s nothing to worry about.
A few days ago they treated me for a combination of UTI and kidney infection. Had to go every 2 hours to the bathroom, severe back pain, pain on the left down side of the abdomen, throwing up, sharp pains in my waist. I simply don`t know anymore. I seem to catch everything possible on this earth. And I am only 26. Now my legs, arms and fingers are twingling, my upper lip is twitching, if i don`t drink 0.5 liter of water before going to bed, my right leg is completely stiff in the morning.
Can this all be due to a weaken immune system because of AIDS? I have never ever had any health problems in my whole life so far!

I'm very sorry you are having a hard time.
How do you feel know?
Do you still have sharp pains?
Did you start to experience stiffness of your leg at the same time you get the kidney infections symptoms?

There are many possible causes for tingling and numbness felt in your legs, arms, fingers.
Do you have constant tingling sensation?
Do you take some meds?
Many medications have tingling and twitching as a side effect.
Also, stress and caffeine intake can cause facial twitches and if it doesn't persist for more than a week or so, it's probably harmless. Drink lots of water, get some rest and wait it out.

Thanks a lot once again for the support ManDMS!

Now the docs have just dignosed me with GAD and think that all the health problems are anxiety related. Too much stress, my inabilty to cope with it, along with bad eating habits are the reason for my weakend immune system according to them. But I still suspect it might be HIV. High time to get tested. Blood tests were already performed, but I need the antibody test. I wish I only had the guts to do it.

You are welcome, TomM!

Before getting a formal diagnosis of GAD, you need to have certain, consistent and on-going, symptoms persisting at least 6 months.
Are you too concerned about other everyday matters like money, family problems, or work difficulties?
Does the worry often interferes with your daily functioning?

Please, do the HIV test.
Don't spend your days for unbiased worry (I don't think you have HIV infection and I want you to ease your mind with testing)

I'm waiting for your post and thinking of you!
Best wishes to you and your girlfriend!
Marija