I have the flu - almost 2 weeks after exposure...

[poz_21]

Hello all,

Thanks for having this forum around.  I am absolutely paranoid right now and this is going to be the longest 12 weeks of my life.

I know it's flu season, but the timing is impeccable.  I had unprotected sex 12 days ago in which my penis entered her vagina in a one night stand.  She said she was clean but you never know.  I did my research after and I know the odds are  small like 1/1250 (I'm uncircumcised so it's probably higher than that) - but I've also had bad luck my entire life.

Anyways, my questions are primarily regarding ARS and testing:

1) How long did flu like symptoms last for you?
2) Did it feel like the worst flu ever - how bad was it?  Fortunately this does not yet feel like the worst flu ever for me but I do feel pretty bad.  What's weird is my symptoms aren't usual flu symptoms, not really a runny nose, throat is kinda sore but not that sore.  I do have a slight cough and decent fever.  Lymph node does not feel swollen but I just started feeling really bad today.
3) Were your lymph nodes pretty swollen?
4) What exactly was your ARS like?  I really hope this is just the actual flu.

4) When's the earliest I can get tested?  I am willing to pay up for this. Peace of mind is worth A LOT for me.
5) Did you use insurance when you test or can you test without an insurance?  I'd rather not let my insurance know but then if they give a discount...

6) What did you do to keep your mind off of it next 12 weeks?

Thank you!

[Joe K]

Having unprotected sex is a risk and you can test 6 weeks past this incident to determine your status.  Another test is required at 12 weeks to confirm the results.  We do not discuss symptoms as the only way to know your status is to test.  You can consult with your local health department to see what testing is available in your area.

Anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to HIV testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start.  As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine HIV tests to return with negative results.

Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than HIV.  Some of the other STDs can be present with no obvious symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to test.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid HIV infection. It really is that simple!

Joe

[anniebc]

  She said she was clean but you never know. 

You have been given some good advise from Joe, so I won't add anything.

I have taken a quote from your post. I'm pretty sure you meant no offence, but it is disrespectful to use the word "clean" when referring to HIV, it is considered an insult to those of us who are HIV+.

Just a heads up, it could land you in trouble.

Jan