Final answer:
It is false that all people develop HIV symptoms 3 months after exposure; the seroconversion window varies, and during the clinical latency stage, individuals may be asymptomatic for years.
Step-by-step explanation:
False: Not all people develop HIV symptoms 3 months after exposure. The seroconversion window, which is the time period after infection during which antibodies to the virus develop and become detectable, varies. It can be longer than two months and up to three months.
During acute HIV infection, some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms within two to four weeks after infection. However, others may not show symptoms for a long time, particularly during the clinical latency stage where the virus is present at low levels and the individual may be asymptomatic for an extended period.
HIV tests such as the indirect ELISA are sensitive measures for detecting HIV antibodies, but timing is crucial for accurate results. Blood tests may not show antibodies until up to 3 months after the initial infection. Additionally, some individuals may enter a period of clinical latency where no symptoms are present, potentially lasting a decade or longer, especially if the individual is undergoing antiretroviral therapy which can suppress the virus.