"Perhaps the window period is so variable that one should not be presented to those seeking advice".
That is precisely why, I tend to keep to myself to those asking for "windows". The general guidelines and recommendations are not hard to find via googling. And it will provide good site like the CDC and others. But of course that is not enough...
Usually those asking for "windows" want solid assurance to ease their anxiety. Those at this forum can't provide that.
Justin,
For this forum to make those kind of judgments with many of us having no medical background would be a misuse of the forum and would exaggerate the extend to which we can help.
This is a patient-to-patient forum and not a panel of experts.
Best wishes.
I understand that people all react differently to viruses, but Wesson1975 has a good point. I tested negative at 11 weeks for HBV and am hoping I can move on with my life, although I find it difficult b/c I still have a rash that is as of yet unexplained. Over the past 3 months I have experienced a tremendous amount of stress; so much to the point that I had to take time off away from work.
And yes, everyone should be vaccinated. I can only hope that everyone that has a close call, whether the exposure is high or low risk, who experiences anxiety about STD's is responsible enough to get vaccinated. I'm going for my second vaccination this week.
At the same time, however, the stress that I've experienced over the past 11 weeks certainly has had a negative impact on my health as well. I do think it is important that this forum and those members who contribute can agree on a sensible and realistic window period and present the same to those individuals who ask.
Perhaps the window period is so variable that one should not be presented to those seeking advice, but if we can narrow it down like the CDC apparently has (1-9 week range with an average of 4) then I think it would do well for the mental well being of those who experience a high degree of anxiety over the issue.
At the same time, I have found this forum to be very beneficial and the members to be supportive and informative. I can't thank them enough for their assistance especially cajim, zelly, and cowriter...
Fortune cookies, magic 8 ball, sometimes I ask the kids and just type in what they say . I don't like to rely too much on any one source.
Fortune cookies, that's where you are getting the advice you are giving me??? Lady, we need to talk...hahahaha.
As the clarification issue...a person's immune system and HBV (or any other virus) doesn't follow black and white. Some have big windows and some small. It makes no sense to look at "window" for assurance, since there's a vaccine against HBV. Individuals old enough for sex should be responsible to take precautions against STDs. How some of us would love to have that opportunity to take that vaccine.
This is a patient-to-patient forum. We give opinions. It can be based on advice we've received from a doctor or a fortune cookie. Since you seem to have good evidence from the CDC and an STD expert why don't you go with that?