Risk?

[Silverd002]

Hi Doc, A couple months back i had a sexual intercourse with a CWS in Mexico. The condom was extremely loose, was about to fall off when i pulled out afterward i never checked for any holes on the condom im also not circumcised.  Last month i was showing cold and flu symptoms and acquired an ear infection  but my temperature was never really high. My doctor prescribed 500mg of amoxicillin for the ear infection. Last week i did a STD panel test except for HIV which all came back negative. Should I be worried?

[Silverd002]

I know its been while since we last spoke but I ran into a article online saying that sometimes it takes 6-12 months to become detected.

[Silverd002]

yup its negative just got them.. Thanks doc

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I am confident the result will show that you did not get HIV.  EWH

[Silverd002]

So I decide to take the test today to  put my mind to rest. I should be expect the result by monday.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

OK, I can accept that although when wee test folks we typically do it comprehensively.  I don't disagree with your doctor that condom protected sex is safe sex.  Thanks for the explantion. EWH

[Silverd002]

Thanks doc
the reason why i didn't take an hiv test was that my doctor said it was not needed since I  wore a condom.  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I don't see why you should be worried.  If you are wondering if your symptoms are due to early HIV infection, the answer is no.  The so-called acute retroviral syndrome, which is basically a flu-like illness typically occurs 2-4 weeks following exposure, not after a period of months.  Even when people get flu-like illnesses following sexual exposure, it is far, far more likely that they simply have a community acquired viral illness than the ARS.

In the specific situation you mention, other factors in your favor are that most CSWs do not have HIV and that condoms are highly effective for prevention of infection asl long as they remain on throughout the exposure.  Thus this was a rather low risk exposure and I congratulate you for using a condom.  Having said that, I must also admit, I find myself wondering why you chose not to get the HIV test.  It is always a good idea, even in low risk situations.  EWH