Scared to Death

[bmann39]

Had a brief unprotected exposure to a bartender that I met while on business in Florida about 7 months ago, I never got tested becuase the exposure lasted 10-20 seconds, and then a condom was used. My now girlfriend has a cold, and threw up without being nauses at all,  approximatly 10 weeks after our first sexual encounter, I am extremely worried this is my fault and I have been infected with HIV.  Are my chances good, or am I just worried, I see a lot of information that makes me think I am being way too anxious, I feel terrible and don't know what to do. I am planning on being tested ASAP.  I cant think straight I am so worried!!  

[Dr Sean Cummings]

Hello

I don't know where in the US you can obtain the tests but actually I think they are pretty universal so maybe look up INSTI and Determine on the web. Alternatively your local lab will be able to do a test for you - and I think Labcorp and Quest offer a good range.

best wishes, Sean

[bmann39]

Sorry I am a 23 yr old male, circumsized.   The status of the Bartender is unknown. Where can I find these tests you are talking about? do I need to go to the clinic, or is this something I can do at home. I never had a fear of this until now I am in a serious relationship and am thinking back of all the stupid things I have done.  I may be a bit of a worry wart I guess, but its making it quite hard to live everyday life. I travel a lot for business and cant get to the Doc for another week.  Thanks

[Dr Mervyn Tyrer, MB BCh; Dip HIV Medicine, Freedomhealth London]

Hello Mr Bmann. I think you are being way too anxious although I don't really know what happened because you dont actually say you are male and I don't know about the bartender. The only real way to know in these circumstances is obviously to have an HIV test. This is a really simple matter at the 7 month interval and you can have a rapid point of care test such as the INSTI or the Determine and you will get your answer with the INSTI in only 60 seconds - fabulous, easy to use, really reliable test or you could use a Determine which takes longer but gives great results too. Take care, Merv.