Can I get a "False Positive" if I'm Sick?

[ImKindaScared]

Hi, this is my first post here.
I've been feeling sick for about a month
with flu-like symptoms that don't seem to be going-away.
I haven't had a hiv test in over a year,
so I figured it's time to get that done again.
The local clinic has the rapid swab test.
I will go on Thursday to get it done.
So my question is;
since I am currently sick,
is it possible or likely that I can get a "False Positive"?
Thanks so much to this community!

[Andy Velez]

The flu or any like illness will not skewer the results of your HIV test. Nor will any antibiotics you might be taking when you're sick.

What is the risk you are concerned about and how long ago was it? Neither the presence nor the absence of symptoms will ever tell you anything accurately about your HIV status. An HIV test should be taken at 13 weeks past a risky incident to get a reliable result.

[ImKindaScared]

Thanx for your reply.
O.k. here are the ugly details!
Stupidly, I had unprotected hetrosex (while drunk)
with a prostitute approx. 1.5 years ago.
I did ejaculate inside of her unfortunately.
Since, then I have not had unprotected sex with anyone,
nor have-I drank alcohol since last Christmas.
I realize that this was playing russian roulette,
and have cleaned-up my act since then. But what's done is done,
and now I'll have to live with the consequences of my irresponsibility
should I learn that I am positive.
I understand that only testing will conclusively tell me
one way or the other if I am positive.
That being said, what do you think this likely outcome will-be?
Thanks for your input.

[Andy Velez]

HIV is a fragile virus and not easy to transmit. It'is much harder to transmit from female to male. Given that this was single and relatively brief incident the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor against transmission having occured.

But HIV is not something to guess about so you're doing the smart thing by getting tested. I expect you to test negative.

It's also good to read that you've learned your lesson and will only be having protected intercourse in the future. Way to go!

Good luck on your test. I expect you to come out of this ok.

Cheers,

[ImKindaScared]

Much Thanx 4 the encouraging wordz!
I'll report-back when I get the test on Thurs.

[Andy Velez]

Good luck. I expect happy result.

[ImKindaScared]

Good-News!
I did the Rapid Oral test this afternoon as I said I would,
and it came-back negative! Yay! 
I have a question though.
I was not aware that that test has you swab your gums for
the testing sample.
Since I use one of those "WaterPik"style cleaners
between my teeth and gums every-morning.
I wonder if I could have washed-away any
hiv antibodies present in my gums,
thereby causing a "false negative"?
Thanx!

P.S. This experience has given me much more empathy
for what positive people are going through...