Can't move on

[worrywell123566]

Dear Dr. HHH,

The anxiety of getting hiv is haunting me. My life has been a hell for the past 6 weeks.

I had a blood draw at Labcorp 6 weeks ago. I didn't see the procedure, so I started to worry about that needle may have been used before me. I have a oral swap rapid test done 6 weeks after the blood draw and the result came back negative.

I was happy about the negative result for half day, now the new thing is bothering me. The clinic I went to have test mainly deal with high risk patients. I may have contacted object with the hiv virus on it. I don't want wait the whole 6 weeks again!

I know my assumptions are nearly impossible, but I just can't get these thoughts out of my mind!

So here are my questions doctor, Please answer me.

1. Can Hiv virus transmit in the air?
2. Am i at risk when getting tested at the clinic?
3. Can I move on and forget these irrational thinking?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No change in my advice or opinion.  You are worrying far too much.  EWH

[worrywell123566]

Thank You Dr Hook

I have one last question.

I Got fever today, I've been coughing since this morning. This is five days after my visit to the clinic. Should I worry about the symptoms?

I really want to move on, but symptoms are really bothering me.

Hope you can answer this question DR hook. This will be my last question.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, the fact that you ha fever an diarrhea after your blood draw is a coincidence, not a sign of HIV.  There is no reason for concern.  EWH

[worrywell123566]

Thank You very much for your answers Dr Hook

I had fever and diarrhea around 2 weeks after the blood draw. Can it be the symptom of infection?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the forum.  I'll be answering your questions.  FYI, Dr. Handsfield and I share the forum.  You got me.  FYI, the reason we share the forum is because we have worked together for nearly 30 years and while our verbiage styles vary, we have never disagreed on management strategies or advice to clients.

The situation an circumstances you describe are not realistically compatible with your being at any risk whatsoever for HIV through the events you describe.  Lab Corp is a highly reputable, well established company with very high standards.  Categorically, you would not be exposed to HIV through the events you describe.  Believe your 6 week result- yu o not have HIV.

In answer to your specific questions:

1. Can Hiv virus transmit in the air?
No, HIV is not ever transmitted through the air.

2. Am i at risk when getting tested at the clinic?
No, there is no risk from being tested at the clinic.

3. Can I move on and forget these irrational thinking?
Yes, you should absolutely move on.  If you are having difficulty in doing so, then I urge you to seek professional help in working through these thoughts.  They have no realistic basis.

I hope this comment helps.  EWH