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Testing after HIV exposure
I know that this question has probably been asked 1000 times, but I'm freaking out considerably and I'm hoping that maybe some people here can provide perspective that I seem to be lacking at the moment.
32 days ago, I engaged in unprotected receptive oral sex with a partner. He ejaculated in my mouth. He had tested negative two weeks previous. Nine days after our encounter, he fell ill and was diagnosed with Acute HIV syndrome officially yesterday.
Independent of my friend's illness, I went in for a routine HIV screening that was negative last week, 26 days after my confirmed exposure. It was a negative test. I am aware that this test, although an encouraging sign, is essentially worthless test for me at this point. However, it is my understanding that the average person infected with HIV will seroconvert by the 25th day after exposure - although many don't develop antibodies until the sixth week or later.
After several panic attacks and a bit of badgering, my doctor has prescribed an HIV PCR/DNA test for me that I am scheduled for in the morning. My doctor has told me that my risk is relatively low and that this test will give me results with close to 99% accuracy by next week. I do plan on following up with an ELISA test at 12 weeks and 24 weeks when my test shows negative results.
From what I've read, my confirmed exposure gives me a risk of HIV transmission at roughly 1 in 2500. Potentially, the risk is a little greater because my friend developed the first signs of Acute HIV a week after our encounter and that would signify that he probably had a high viral load at the time of our encounter.
My doctor has told me that I probably have not too much to worry about, but that I should be concerned because although my risk level is relatively low, it is not negligible or zero. I guess my question is this: how much should I panic about this? Am I overreacting?
32 days ago, I engaged in unprotected receptive oral sex with a partner. He ejaculated in my mouth. He had tested negative two weeks previous. Nine days after our encounter, he fell ill and was diagnosed with Acute HIV syndrome officially yesterday.
Independent of my friend's illness, I went in for a routine HIV screening that was negative last week, 26 days after my confirmed exposure. It was a negative test. I am aware that this test, although an encouraging sign, is essentially worthless test for me at this point. However, it is my understanding that the average person infected with HIV will seroconvert by the 25th day after exposure - although many don't develop antibodies until the sixth week or later.
After several panic attacks and a bit of badgering, my doctor has prescribed an HIV PCR/DNA test for me that I am scheduled for in the morning. My doctor has told me that my risk is relatively low and that this test will give me results with close to 99% accuracy by next week. I do plan on following up with an ELISA test at 12 weeks and 24 weeks when my test shows negative results.
From what I've read, my confirmed exposure gives me a risk of HIV transmission at roughly 1 in 2500. Potentially, the risk is a little greater because my friend developed the first signs of Acute HIV a week after our encounter and that would signify that he probably had a high viral load at the time of our encounter.
My doctor has told me that I probably have not too much to worry about, but that I should be concerned because although my risk level is relatively low, it is not negligible or zero. I guess my question is this: how much should I panic about this? Am I overreacting?
Orion,
I really appreciate the kind words. Being able to find a ratio/estimate of risk this evening after two days of searching has really helped me calm down about this situation. If you wouldn't mind passing a prayer along to my friend as well, I'd appreciate it. I get the feeling he needs it a lot more than me.
I really appreciate the kind words. Being able to find a ratio/estimate of risk this evening after two days of searching has really helped me calm down about this situation. If you wouldn't mind passing a prayer along to my friend as well, I'd appreciate it. I get the feeling he needs it a lot more than me.
Actually, the estimated per act risk of receptive fellatio is 1 in 10,000 exposures. The negative at 25 days is not bad but still not enough to put you in the clear. You've done your homework and everything else you said is right, about high viral load and such.
I'll be praying for your conclusive negative.
I'll be praying for your conclusive negative.
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