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242985 tn?1192588069

Can I take an HIV test now? What kind can I take?

I was really stupid and received head without protection about a month ago, and then three weeks ago I received anal sex. The condom broke during the first insertion, and the penis was quickly removed and did not re-enter. I don´t know if there were fluids or not. A week after my first exposure I had a sore throat, and yesterday, 3 weeks after the second incident, I had a symmetrical rash (The first time I have had a rash in my life) on my elbows and knees, and on one of my ankles. It lasted a few hours and the slightly raised pinkish to pale bumps itched slightly. My muscles also ache when I stretch them, but not when I walk around. I checked to see if I had a fever today (although I didn´t have a rash) and I didn´t have one. I am in a horrible panic, because I am in a foreign country and don´t speak the language. I start my first day of university at the end of this month in the US, and really would like to get this off my mind (if I don´t have it) before then, because I´d really like to enjoy my time here. So anyways, which test should I take, or can I only wait until an ELISA becomes affective? Also, what are other things that could cause a symmetrical rash since I have never had one before?
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Avatar universal
Where in FL? I live in Miami myself. HIV tests are offered at county public health department clinics, HIV outreach centers, etc. Try www.hivtest.org or perform a search for "hiv testing sites" in your city of interest...
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242985 tn?1192588069
do you know anything about the testing places i should look for when i get back to the US (Florida)?
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Avatar universal
fever usualy 100+ for HIV symptom, relax
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242985 tn?1192588069
also, what should i look for in a testing center? SHould I be anonymous? What are the names of them? Do major universities usually have them for students? I can´t even describe how anxious and nervous I am right now. I can´t imagine waiting for so long. It would be fine, but I keep on getting more symptoms.
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242985 tn?1192588069
Well my worry went away, but today I just started to get diahrrea, and my temperature is 98.6, when it´s usually 97.7.
I don´t think my rash due to a hot shower, since they only have cold showers where I am living right now. This whole ordeal would be way better if I were in civilization, I´m so isolated here. It´s horrible. Thanks for the help.
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Avatar universal
I bet your rash was due to a HOT shower. Really, taking a hot shower will release histamines and cause a rash that itches. It usually is around your ankels and on the arms. I seem to get them on occasion. It has NOTHING to due with HIV. I bet you are fine
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242985 tn?1192588069
Thanks for the information! I will take the test as soon as I get back to the US. I am on the most remote island of the Canary Islands right now, (pop. 10,000) so I´d be lucky if they even had a decent hospital. Does rapid testing require a 3 month wait as well?
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Avatar universal
Receiving head is essentially NO risk for HIV. Your exposure would be unprotected receptive anal sex BUT the fact it was for such a brief amount of time makes it very unlikely for infection.
Conclusive testing is recommended at 3 mos after exposure (12/13 wks, 90 days). 6 wks is a good indicator. You don't specify what country you are in, but you may want to inquire if rapid testing is available (20 min result). If not, you can have your blood drawn and tested via ELISA and have your results within a week but can take longer depending on the lab. As for your symptoms, the ARS rash usually occurs on the trunk of your body, not on your elbows, knees, or ankles and does not itch. Based on your exposure, I would say to expect a NEG result! Good luck!
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