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Why do you remain scared that you may be HIV positive?
Gail
Keep in mind that HIV screening typically checks for antibodies the immune system begins to produce after transmission has taken place.
It can take a while for these antibodies to reach levels where they can be picked up by current testing methods. By 3 months post exposure, 99.9 percent of infected folks will have enough antibodies present to be picked up by these methods.
The very, very small percentage who would need to wait until the 6 month mark are those whose immune systems have already been affected by other, serious medical issues. For example, those who have received an organ transplant and are on anti-rejection medication that suppresses the immune system...or someone who has recently undergone chemotherapy. If you are not in this category than you can take comfort that your test result was quite accurate.
Tests like the OraQuick test were designed to be, well, idiot proof; hard to mess them up and easy enough that results are available quickly. These tests are often used in Health Department settings where clients may not return for results as would be required if samples were sent to a lab to be run.
Gail
Like most, I carry this virus myself and I haven't had a cold sore in, oh, decades. However, I do recall in my younger days worrying greatly about things (or getting a sunburn on my face) often took place before an outbreak.
In other words, you stressing about a disease that you do not have might be triggering the cold sore which makes you believe your immune system is poor (which it isn't) and that you must be HIV positive (which you aren't)...and then more stress, more cold sores, etc. etc. etc.. Sounds like a stress merry go round!
Gail
Gail
I need a help from people here. I by mistake had a oral sex with a unknown person. will i get this HIV now? please help me. things done by mistake and now this fear is eating up my mind.
Can someone help me please?
Thanks,
green.
Think along the lines of .5 to 1 per 10,000 exposures with a source KNOWN to carry the virus.
Your risk would be even less since you cannot confirm this unknown persons status.
Gail
And both ways oral sex happened between myself and the girl. Can I be sure that No risk exists now?
Do we (or you) know the status of this partner? No. If you remain concerned regarding this very low statistical risk, then consider taking an HIV screening test at the 90 day mark.
Gail
You sound very knowledgeable on this topic and your posts seem researched or borne from experience. If it's alright with you, may I ask how you attained this knowledge?
Gail
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