Afraid to get tested

The last time I had intercourse was 2 1/2 years ago. My understanding is that this person is terminally ill but no one is sure of what the illness actually is. If this person is HIV positive and infected me, what symptoms would I be displaying at this point?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

By "intercourse" most people mean penile-vaginal intercourse, but you don't say your gender or your partner's.  The chance of HIV transmission from a single episode of vaginal intercourse is very low--higher in some settings than others, but still unlikely (less than 1 chance in 100, probably even lower than that).  Further, it sounds like you don't know that the partner had HIV; I would most concerned if s/he was known to be at risk, such as a gay man, injection drug user, etc.

To answer your specific question, if you had acquired HIV 1 1/2 years ago, you probably would have no symptoms at all.  On average, it takes several years for infected people to notice anything wrong--although symptoms sometimes show up within a few weeks.  The symptoms of HIV and the opportunistic diseases it leads to are very broad, everything from fever to swollen glands to cough to skin rashes and almost anything else that can go wrong.  In other words, they are very nonspecific, can be caused by many things other than AIDS.

Bottom line:  Go get tested for HIV.  Almost certainly the result will be negative and you'll rest easy.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[veryconcerned123]

Hello kameron1,

You didn't tell us if you are male or female, and if the person that you slept with is male or female.

If you are male and only sleep with females and you only had sex with them one time then odds are greatly in your favor of not contracting HIV.

Another thing. You admitted that you don't know that they even have HIV. They could be sick with cancer or anything else.

I know you are scared but, you have to get tested for your piece of mind.  Knowing one way or the other is better than wondering and torturing yourself. I know. I have been there. I fought it for a while, but I finally decided to test and guess what? NEGATIVE.

I bet you will be to.  Calm down and either go and get a Home Access test or go to a testing center. Either way in a few days you will know.  

If you are negative you can sleep again, and if you are positive you can begin meds. Not testing is causing you stress that could cause you harm!  

Please get tested and post a reply here and let us know your outcome. My fingers are crossed for you!

Good luck my friend.

[Kameron1]

To Answer your questions, I am a female and the person I was with was a male and we had intercourse on more than one occassion. I guess that changes things.
Thank you concerend. Your words were very comforting, but I'm still frightened.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

That raises the stakes a bit, but you still don't know if he had HIV.  And if he did, the odds still are on your side.  Finally, you won't be any more stressed or upset after you are tested than you are now, especially if the result is negative and maybe even if positive.  In any case, if positive you need to think to your own health care; delay is never helpful.  For your peace of mind, please do it soon.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[pandora9048]

Hi,
   i just have a question regarding hiv and testing.  Hypothetically speaking, if a person does have hiv and/or AIDS and is exhibiting symptoms, would a CBC show an abnormal white blood count?
Thanks for any info,
Pan

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

It may.  The most specific clue would be the differential white blood count showing low numbers of lymphocytes.  But other things can cause it and the range of normal is broad, and even such things as time of day can make a difference.  A low lymphocyte count is useful only if very low or if the count is clearly lower than on previous tests.

HHH, MD

[pandora9048]

Thank you!