POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: MM1975 on February 01, 2024, 03:20:45 am
-
Dear all,
Just need some clarification. I had multiple exposure in asian massage centers. All exposure limited to handjobs, and body rubbing, might have some genital touching as well. I did not have sex with any ladies over there. These activities have been going on for about one year and so.
Now Im getting sick more than usual, with symptoms are similar to HIV. I never tested more than 2 years now since Im single and didnt engage in penetrative sex.
But now i believe i might have caught it during my activities in the massage centers. Im too scared to test, but based on your expertise, what are my chances?
-
You had NO exposures to HIV and your chance of getting HIV is ZERO. HIV is mainly transmitted through unprotected anal/vaginal sex or by sharing injection needles.
If you are having any health issues you should see your doctor to determine what could be the problem, as it's not HIV. If you are sexually active, you should be tested for HIV and other STIs at least once a year.
Have a good day,
Michael
Reducing Your HIV risks:
With no exceptions, use condoms correctly and consistently for anal or vaginal intercourse
Talk to a healthcare provider about PrEP as another layer of protection
Get tested yearly for HIV and other STIs.
If you don’t use condoms and/or PrEP, test more frequently
Some sexual practices described as safe in terms of acquiring HIV still pose a risk for other more easily acquired STIs. It is possible to show no signs or symptoms from an STI so testing is the only way to know.
Get tested at least yearly for STIs, including but not limited to HIV, and more frequently if condomless intercourse occurs.
What’s the ONLY way to know if you’ve been infected by HIV or an STI?
Get tested.
Please Note.
As a member of the "Do I have HIV" Forum, you are required to only post in this one thread no matter how long between visits or the subject matter. You can find this thread by going to your profile and selecting show own post, which will take you here. It helps us to help you when you keep all your thoughts or questions in one thread, and it helps other readers to follow the discussion. Any additional threads will be removed.
-
Thank you for the reply. Reading things online kept messing with my head up. I understand handjobs might be no risk but I can’t wrap my head around the genital rubbing. There was possible fluid exchanges, may I know why it’s not risk? Is there no cases at all due to this? I’m worried I might be the exception
-
HIV is transmitted via unprotected anal/vaginal sex or sharing injection needles because with either a penis or a needle inside your body is the actual exchange of fluids. Fluids outside the body are exposed to temperature changes, ph changes, air exposure and HIV is degraded because of those changes.
You had no risk and you are not the exception