Am I at risk for HIV or any other STD?

[grateful2004]

The experts on this site (and they really are exerts) were of tremendous help to me 2 years ago when I was a worried well (protected sex encounter). Now I need assurance once again from these same experts. I was at home depot this morning and I noticed what appeared to be somewhat dried blood on a piece of wood I picked up. I tried to wipe it but then noticed my own finger had a slight cut and was slightly bleeding at the time. In all liklihood the blood on the shelf was my own. However, it it were not and it was from someone else -  am I at any risk given my own fresh cut. I know how silly this sounds but I have been through this whole thing once in my life and I'm not quite teh same and just need some reassurance. Thank you for your help in the past and now.

[jkinatl2]

Your problems cannot be addressed here. This is something that only a professional counselor can handle in a face to face session. I am not putting you off or putting you down, but in no-risk scenarios such as the one described, this site is a toxic place.

I urge you to seek help for your unfounded fears, and since education regarding HIV transmission did not help two years ago, I submit that HIV is not the underlying issue.

[Andy Velez]

You were not at risk in anyway for HIV transmission in this incident. It really doesn't bear any further discussion. I'd say read the lesson on transmission but I think it might be a mistake for you to read anything more about HIV at this point because it might just feed your uwanrranted concern.

If you find yourself putting anymore attention to it then I would be inclined to agree with Jonathan and it's time for you to seek the help of a therapist or other professional. This is not an HIV situation. Period.

Cheers,

[grateful2004]

Would taking any kind of antibiotics (zithromax) in the weeks preceding taking an HIV test compromise the credibility of the results ? I have heard for those taking PEP they must wait to be tested more than the tradition window period. I though this is because if a real transmission occurs - the body need time to develop the antibodies.  However, if an exposure took place months ago would a recent course of antibiotics alter the result ? I am interested in this info as it relates to HIV tests as well as other STD blood tests. Thanks.

[Andy Velez]

No, antiobiotics would not skewer the accuracy of an HIV test. If the test is taken at the proper time you will get an accurate result.

PEP is a whole other matter and to get a finally accurate result it should be done at 13 weeks after the completion of PEP.

Cheers,

[Ann]

grateful,

I've merged your new thread into your original thread - where you should post all your additional thoughts or questions. It helps us to help you when you keep all your additional thoughts or questions in one thread.

If you need help finding your thread when you come here, click on the "Show own posts" link under your name in the left-hand column of any forum page.

Please also read through the Welcome Thread so you can familiarize yourself with our Forum Posting Guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.

If you're still worried about the incident you came to us with in June, then you don't need to test anyway. Antibiotics will not alter the outcome.

Ann

[grateful2004]

Is the Oraquick rapid Test using oral fluid reliable. I know it is highly sensitive but do they still have the issues they had with false positives. I realize testing is not considered necessary but if I do I would like to take this particular test. Have there been any recent issues with this test. Thanks.

[Ann]

grateful,

Any time you have an hiv test, you run the risk of having a false positive. That's why there are proceedures in place (Western Blot testing) to make sure a person really is positive. Have you read through the Testing Lesson? The link is available in the Welcome Thread.

As far as I am aware, the oral test is not really any more prone to false positives than any other ELISA test. There were a couple clinics that had some problems over the summer, but it seems they were down to either a batch problem or human error, because I've not heard anything more about it. (and yes, I keep my eye on this type of news)

And yes, you're right, you don't need to test unless you've been having unprotected intercourse or if you are regularly sexually active.

Ann

[grateful2004]

Had a massage with underwear on but at times penis was not fully covered but readjusted when noticed. Was laying on my back.  Masseuse climbed on top of me massaging chest- she was clothed  wearing stretchy (spandex like)  pants and for a minute or two while massaging grinded my penis with her genital area - still with  my underwear on and she never undressed- though not sure if penis was fully covered.  No other sexual activity. It felt good and I feel guilty but wanted to know if I put myself at risk. Thank you for replying.

[RapidRod]

You never had an exposure. HIV is transmitted by;
Unprotected penetrative anal and/or vaginal sex
Sharing works with other IV drug abusers
Mother to child

[grateful2004]

Thank for your reply Rapid Rod but would there be a risk if my penis was not covered for a moment and her pants had any minor tears. I did not feel penetration but definitely felt rubbing. Still no risk? Thanks.

[RapidRod]

No risk.

[Ann]

grate,

've merged your new thread into your original thread - where you should post all your additional thoughts or questions. It helps us to help you when you keep everything in one thread. It doesn't matter how long it has been since you last posted in your thread or if the subject matter is different.

If you need help finding your thread when you come here, click on the "Show own posts" link under your name in the left-hand column of any forum page.

Please also read through the Welcome Thread so you can familiarize yourself with our Forum Posting Guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.




Once again, you haven't been at risk. As an adult, the only hiv risks you are going to encounter are unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse and sharing drug injecting equipment.

Hiv cannot be transmitted through clothing. You've been coming to this website for what, about eight, nine years? You should know this stuff by now.

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

Ann

[grateful2004]

Ann,  my concern this time is that my penis may have been partially exposed through my underwear. While she was clothed I was afraid of any breaks in her clothing that may have put me at risk given our genitals rubbed together vigorously. While part of me knows this is not rational - I still worry.

[Andy Velez]

Worry away if you must, but your fears have no basis in HIV science. This is all in the domain of what ifs rather than anything specifically risky sexually such as unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse.

We can't do anything more for you in this setting about your fears. I am now going to warn you that if you continue to return here with more what ifs about the same non-risk incident, you are going to find yourself getting a Time Out from the site.

HIV is not your problem. Consider yourself warned.