Scared to death

Dear Dr,
I am a 32 year male that has genital herpes. I had sex protected sex with a sex worker 4 weeks ago. 2 weeks after I started having diarrhea that has been on and off for 2 weeks. I had a HIV blood test 3 weeks after possible exposure and it was negative. About 3 years ago I went through this same experience after a trip to Jamaica and sex with a sex worker. Had prolonged diarrhea and drove myself crazy with hiv test and symptoms. It turned out to be a bacterial infection after a endoscopy. I am taking antibiotics for my current bout with diarrhea. I have been worring myself sick and have been having headaches. I plan on having another HIV test soon. So what do you think my chances of infection are?

[Dr Sean Cummings]

Hello

I think you should relax.

Condoms are super-efficient at preventing HIV and since you wore one at the time then you will be protected.

Your genital herpes is not going to expose you to increased risk provided you use condoms.

You can have a 4th generation HIV 1 and 2 antibody test with p24 antigen done at 4 weeks post exposure which will give you a reassuring and I am sure negative results.

Please relax and be confident that your condoms will have protected you.

best wishes, Sean