Very anxious and worried

[Ase718]

Dear doctor; I had unprotected oral and vaginal sex with a long time female friend on Febuary the 19. We both remain friends though she has a boy friend now. I went to get (rapid test) tested on the 1st of march and here in nyc they take a sample of your blood and send it to a lab for further testing and you get the results a week later and it came NEGATIVE. So that's was a relief, I went and got tested on the 26 of march which made it 5 weeks from the time I had sex with her and that also came out negative. I have no symptoms no sore throat, no rash, or fever no lymph node swelling just a stiff neck on left side and ear pain. She also has a 4 year old son, she is not a drug user of any kind and is healthy. Should I be worried or can I finally put this behind me? Thank you in advance

[Edward W Hook, MD]

My advice would be to not worry and put this behind you.  Your antibody test at 5 weeks would have detected about 95% of recently acquired HIV infections and your partner was unlikely to have HIV.  Further, in NYC, if you were tested at the Health Department, in addition to the standard antibody blood test, it is likely that your blood was also tested by PCR at the same time.   A combination of a negative antibody test and a negative PCR at any time more than 4 weeks following exposure is definitive evidence that you did not get HIV.

I hope this comment is helpful.  EWH

[Ase718]

Thanks doc, and yes I was tested at a nyc health dept and your correct about the PCR testing. They take up 10 days for results to get back at you.  Which I'm greatful I was negative, I guess its my anxiety playing with my head, its just scary doc but thanks for helping me put my mind at ease.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad we coul help. Take care.  EWH

[Ase718]

hey doctor just an update i tested negative once again at 7 weeks, so im in the clear

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Correct. Take care. EWH

[Ase718]

thanks Doctor Hook, take care as well