Hiv Questions

[Sharkman]

I haven't had sex in over a year My last exposures were condom protected vagina sex and unprotected oral.  I am male.  I had about 5 partner after my previous neg test results.   I was under the impression I was having safe sex. And I was also under the impression that female to male was much harder than other exposures.  When I last tested I explained to the nurse what my exposures where which included a couple of unprotected vaginal and she made a face like what was I worried about.  I know female to male is possible so I have no doubt it can and dose happen.  But since my last exposure over a year ago I have no strange symptoms. But 2 weeks ago I started feeling real sick  I have a 2 week long flu, No fever just constantly running nose I thought it just a flu but I have been excessively tired and the left side of my neck had a lump that I have never felt I imagine its a lymph node. It hurts when I touch it and is seams to be getting bigger.  I know I know stop poking it, I have . I am now thinking this is more than the comman cold.  Could this be HIV or aids.  I here or have read about people getting hiv despite using condoms. I don't know how but that's What I have read. I alwasy used condoms for vaginal sex since my last neg test.  Now my anxiety it going into full speed ahead. Please if an expert can give me some advice.

[Ann]

Shark,

Protected intercourse is just that - protected - and not a risk for hiv infection. Condoms have been proven to prevent hiv infection. Getting a blowjob is also not a risk for hiv infection. You can't always believe what people say about how they got infected.

There have been long-term studies of couples where one is positive and one is negative. In the couples who used condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, but no barrier for oral activities, not one of the negative partners became infected with hiv. Not one.

If you feel unwell, you should see a doctor. Nothing you report is hiv specific and as long as you tested three months past your last incident of unprotected intercourse, there's no reason to believe you have become infected since your last negative hiv test.

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL sexually transmitted infections together. To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with an STI. Sex without a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Have a look through all three condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.

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.

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

Ann

[Sharkman]

Thanks Ann   you are very helpfull  just quick question   does ars flu like symptoms include runny nose and do limp nodes  hurt when touched and do they continue to grow  Thanks in advance

[Ann]

Shark,

ARS symptoms are very general symptoms. A runny nose is usually just that - a runny nose and nothing more. We do not discuss symptoms here because symptoms, or even the LACK of symptoms will never tell you a single thing about your hiv status. Only testing will. You haven't had a risk since your last hiv test and that means you ARE hiv negative.

Lymph nodes will swell for a variety of reasons, including checking them all the time to see if they are swollen. Keep your hands off them. If you are worried about your health, including your lymph nodes, see a doctor. You could be missing something important by focusing on hiv. Whatever is going on with you has nothing to do with hiv.

Ann

[Sharkman]

God bless you and thanks ANN