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HIV Prevention (Expert Forum)
Worried or maybe paranoid?
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
This forum is limited to prevention of HIV and to safe sex in general. If you believe you might have been exposed to HIV and want help to judge your risk, would like advice about HIV testing, or have questions about the effectiveness of condoms or the risks associated with specific sexual practices, this is the site for you.
IMPORTANT
No questions will be accepted on the treatment of HIV/AIDS or its complications, viral load, and similar topics. If you have questions about a specific STD other than HIV/AIDS, please visit the STD Forum. Questions that do not pertain to the above topics will be removed from the forum.
If you have not done so, please review other threads in our archives for questions similar to yours and Dr. Handsfield's replies. Questions that duplicate other frequent ones, for which abundant replies exist, and that have little educational value for other forum users, will be DELETED WITHOUT RESPONSE. YOUR PAYMENT WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. The most common examples of such questions are those about low risk exposures to HIV, such as oral sex, condom- protected intercourse hand-to-genital exposure, and nonsexual contact with possibly infected blood or body fluids as well as symptoms of early HIV infection.
No questions will be accepted on the treatment of HIV/AIDS or its complications, viral load, and similar topics. If you have questions about a specific STD other than HIV/AIDS, please visit the STD Forum. Questions that do not pertain to the above topics will be removed from the forum.
If you have not done so, please review other threads in our archives for questions similar to yours and Dr. Handsfield's replies. Questions that duplicate other frequent ones, for which abundant replies exist, and that have little educational value for other forum users, will be DELETED WITHOUT RESPONSE. YOUR PAYMENT WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. The most common examples of such questions are those about low risk exposures to HIV, such as oral sex, condom- protected intercourse hand-to-genital exposure, and nonsexual contact with possibly infected blood or body fluids as well as symptoms of early HIV infection.
Worried or maybe paranoid?
by Litzy, Jul 22, 2008 11:39AM
Hello Doctor, I had previosly posted a question about my first sexual encounter in which you told me was of very low risk. I am a 28 year old female and my current boyfriend is 31. I have only had two boyfriends. My first boyfriend and I 12 years ago when I was 16 pentrated his penis only twice but you had mentioned it was of low risk. This is my question, since then, I have been with my current boyfriend for almost ten years. He has tested negative for HIV. He had a girlfriend before me but always had protected sex with her. I have not been with anyone else but him. Recently I have had a severe loss of appetite, naseau, stomach pains and a white tongue. Am I experiencing ARS symtoms. One month ago I was diagnosed with typhoid fever and other strains of that bacteria but I have already finished the antibiotics given to me. Could my symtoms be related to HIV? Should I get tested? Your response is greatly appreciated!
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Jul 22, 2008 11:57AM
, Jul 22, 2008 11:57AM
I have little to add to Dr. Hook's reply to your question a week ago. He told you that you have nothing to worry about with respect to HIV, and I agree.
You don't say where you live or where you might have traveled, but typhoid fever is rare in industrialized countries. If you live in a developing country, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, then there might be some risk of HIV despite your limited sexual experience. However, it seems likely that you have a serious misunderstanding about HIV risks through heterosexual exposure. Finally, as Dr. Hook already told you, your symptoms are NOT typical of ARS, and could easily be due to your typhoid or the antibiotics you were taking.
Please talk to your own health care provider if you remain concerned. I see no need for HIV testing, but the decision is up to you and your doctor. This forum has nothing more to offer you.
Please note the rule about 2 questions every 6 months in MedHelp's moderated forums.
HHH, MD
You don't say where you live or where you might have traveled, but typhoid fever is rare in industrialized countries. If you live in a developing country, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, then there might be some risk of HIV despite your limited sexual experience. However, it seems likely that you have a serious misunderstanding about HIV risks through heterosexual exposure. Finally, as Dr. Hook already told you, your symptoms are NOT typical of ARS, and could easily be due to your typhoid or the antibiotics you were taking.
Please talk to your own health care provider if you remain concerned. I see no need for HIV testing, but the decision is up to you and your doctor. This forum has nothing more to offer you.
Please note the rule about 2 questions every 6 months in MedHelp's moderated forums.
HHH, MD
Member Comments (3)
by Litzy, Jul 22, 2008 12:11PM
To: Dr. Handsfield
I live in Texas but traveled to Mexico and ate some bad cheese thats how I got Typhoid. So no need for testing then?
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Jul 22, 2008 12:34PM
, Jul 22, 2008 12:34PM
Re-read my reply above. Is there some way I could have been more clear than "I see no need for HIV testing"???
