Staggeringly Low HIV Transmission Rates--Sex Worker Intercourse

[csal]

Hello.  First, let me comment that you are doing amazing work, and that this site, and the internet in general have been unbelievably helpful in providing me with real, and much needed, information after a potential exposure to HIV and other STDs after condom failure.  I have read all of the related threads, and they answer my questions around how "at risk" I am, and I do understand it is roughly 1 in 1000, provided my partner was confirmed HIV+.  Since her status is unknnown, I believe that my "odds" are slightly better.  My question is...How is it possible that HIV transmission occurs in so few instances?  I recall a 2004 story focused on the Adult Entertainment industry where a HIV+ male engaged in intercourse with 13 females.  Of the 13, three contracted HIV.  That transmission rate is more like 23% and not <0.1%.  Any thoughts.

Naturally, 9 Days after my exposure I have a cold, and night sweats which I am attributing to ARS/HIV. Human nature I guess.

[artma2004]

Call 1-800-774-1534.

You are at Day #9, right?  Why don't you wait until 27/28 days to take the test.

It cost $399.  Very expensive, but I think worth it.

[csal]

Where does one get a PCR DNA Test?  Planned Parenthood?  Can you define expensive $250?  $500?  $1000?  More?

Thanks

[artma2004]

I stood in your shoes.  I had every freaking symptom in the world.  Only a blood test will tell you.

You could take an HIV PCR DNA test (Qualitative) between 10-14 days.  It's expensive, but it will give you a good indication of your HIV status.

[csal]

Doc,

As for my "symptoms" is nine days to early to have ARS/HIV symptoms?  I had night sweats 2 nights after the exposure, and again last night.  I, coincidentally, spent several hours reading about night sweats prior to going to bed.  Factors for my cold could include that I have been operating on very little sleep for the last week, have been working hard, and am jetlagged from an international flight.  As irrational as it sounds, just looking for some reassurance.
thanks

[Imdumb]

You don't know what type of sex the people in the adult industry had. It could have been anal. Also, if they had been having a lot of sex there could have been abasions that made it easier to catch. Also, it is much easier for a woman to get it from a man than the other way around. We also don't know his viral load or anything like that. That said, you can't take a general stat and apply it to a specific circumstance. There is too much unknown. The 1 in 1000 is looking at millions of potential exposures.

[csal]

Thanks for the commencts.  I fully understand the relative risk.  In no way do I think that I have 999 more instances to engage in high risk behavior before i contract HIV.  I know the low"er" relative risk is not carte blanche to go out and act irresponsibly.  If I could take one thing back in my life, it would be that drunken night.