Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Hi Dr. HHH,

I am just rather confused on this testing process and was hoping you could help me out.. In the months of June/July I had a couple encounters of unprotected sex with a guy I knew, however, I don't know his HIV status.  I was tested at 10 weeks and it came back negative and will be going in for my 13 week test.. However the health educator advised me that my test was not conclusive until 6 months past exposure.  Is this correct? I am a total wreck now because I have been stressing out this whole time thinking I have HIV due to some symptoms.  And I know that symptoms don't mean anything.. I read the CDC guidelines and if I read them right they say that testing at 3+ months is 97% accurate.. Can you please help me get myself together, I am rather scared here. I am rather scared as you can tell..
32 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I already can predict MD HHH's response.

He will state that your HIV counselor is indeed "behind the times" in regards to HIV and the testing procedure.

6 months is only valid for persons who have compromised immune systems.
As far as symptoms,..never go by them.

You are indeed negative for HIV.
Now....move on...and see a counselor for your irrational fear of HIV in which you are projecting fear and guilt.

Good Luck...and always....STAY SAFE.

B.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi -
I totally sympathize with your anxiety as I am going through a similiar situation at the moment. I got a negative after 10 weeks using the home access test. I thought I was home free, but after internet obsessing, I realize 13 weeks is the conclusive date. I am not sure why this is given that Home Access states it uses a 2nd generation Elisa and these are the same as future generations after the 6th week. On TheBody.com bulletin board it says that 10 weeks is conclusive if you use a 3rd or 4th generation Elisa test. I don't know what to think.
I made the horrible mistake of gettting really drunk at a business meeting in Hong Kong and my hosts took me to a very swanky kaoraoke club. I remember going back to my hotel with a very healthy attractive looking girl who worked there and insisting we use a condom. At that point things pretty much went black and I woke up with a broken condom (split down the middle). I am in a committed relationship and have never done something like this. It was a total moral judgement lapse. I have been dying with guilt and anxiety since this episode. I have had no fever or any other typical symptoms. Just a slight white film on my tongue ( i think it was alwyas like that), a couple of night sweats and a feeling like something is caught in my throat (it only comes about when I am obsessing).
Should I retest at 13 weeks at 6 months? When will I be able to feel safe? Pls help.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Am I the only one here who reads the [Browse Archives] files from previous forum users?

Some people need to on here.

B.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You are right. I was just wondering if anyone could advise if my case was high risk due to my partner likely being a sex worker. I know Dr. H recommends follow up testing for high risk episodes. I was wondering if this qualified as one. I have read all the archives, but remain anxious. I know this is my problem, but just looking for some honest insight. Sorry for the redundancy.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
he's said many times no acts of vaginal sex is "high risk"

High risk = msm or IDU or acts with someone "confirmed" to be HIV pos
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi eveyone, I know that this is the wrong place to ask a question but its just something that I REALLY REALLY have to get off my chest, I can't even sleep right thinking of this. I recently went to the east coast of Nicaragua on vacation and had unprotected vaginal sex with 2 girls. About 1 week later I developed flu-like symptoms which were a fever, runny nose, sore throat, loss of appetite, and fatigue which went on for only a week. I was very relieved to know that I did not have swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, weight loss, or headache which are signs of ARS that I read up on after being diagnosed with gohnnerrea and later treated. I really don't know if gohnnerea or chylamydia relates to any of these symptoms. Someone, ANYONE, please post your opinions on this situation. Here are some of the questions I would greatly appreciate answers too,

1) What are my chances of having an HIV infection?
2) Where my symptoms of gohnnerea normal?
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum

Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.