POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: thegreeken on December 27, 2006, 12:27:52 pm
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Hello everyone,
With so much misinformation I am so happy that I came across this site. I have been worrying about an incident that took place a while back. I've spent countless hours researching and wondering if I am the one that could have been infected with a low risk. Here is my story:
I fingered this girl and there was a lot of making out. After researching this, I found out that fingering (as stated in the lessons) is a theoretical risk. So I have ruled that out. However, in the lessons you state that kissing is not one of the things that someone should worry about. Does that mean, closed, dry (my mom kissed me) or does that include, making out (ie: french, deep, wet kissing?) That was my only risk. I made out with this girl.
I got tested, all using the Home Access HIV-1 test, at 7.5 weeks (54days) ....12 weeks (85 days) and at 16.5 weeks (116 days). Again, all of the tests I took were Home Access HIV-1 tests. I looked at your testing lesson before posting and you guys do not state the accuracy of this test. You comment on other tests. Do you not approve of this test? Is it accurate @ 16.5 weeks? Do I need to test @ 6 months? I am very concerned, it has been stated to me that french kissing is way on the lower end of the risk spectrum. Also, can I trust my tests??? Thank you for hearing me out.
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thegreeken,
Neither kissing nor fingering are risks for hiv infection. It doesn't matter what sort of kissing you do, saliva is NOT infectious so kissing is A-OK.
For a person who actually has had a risk, a negative test at three months or after is conclusive. The test you took is accurate. You are absolutely hiv negative.
You've already read the lessons and here is what else you need to know to avoid hiv in the future.
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 STIs together. To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with a sexually transmitted infection. Sex with a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.
Have a look through the 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 intercourse and you will avoid hiv infection.
Ann
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Thank you for the kind words and all the information. I am so amazed how straightforward this site is. There is no vagueness. I've also noticed how you don't lie to people, if they've had a risk, you straight up tell them, if not, equally the same.
A couple of more questions if you do not mind me asking? I did a search on this site and have been reading a little bit about the home access test. Does it matter that the test is first generation or second generation? I've been reading a lot of concerns about this. Does the "generation" effect the "accuracy" of the test? Or is 3 months conclusive regardless of RISK and/or GENERATION? Also, I guess I feel better knowing that the FDA has this test regulated. Anyways, your thoughts on those. Thank you again, ANN.
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As long as the test is done at 13 weeks the generation of the test is irrelevant. All of them are reliable at that point.
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OK, thank you for answering all of my questions. Thank you for being very straightforward too! I have always used condoms for sex my whole life, just had some concerns after reading some information. Thank you ANDY & ANN. Have a happy new year's!
:)
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I'm glad you found the exchanges and information to be helpful.
Good to read that you're a consistent condom user. Way to go! Have a happy and healthy New Year!
Cheers,
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OK,
I'm not trying to argue with anyone on here; however, I had a couple friends tell me that I did have a risk and they showed me a site that said it "COULD" happen. That's exactly what I told them, and then they said that tests are not conclusive until 6 months. I'm just really confused, you guys said 3 months conclusive and you even said that I didn't even have a risk. Anyways, thanks for your time. Hope you had a happy holiday season!
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In 2001 the CDC changed the conclusive test from 6 months-3months. Those that are tested longer are those on Chemo drugs, IV drug users, persons on anti-rejection drugs for transplants and people with immune depressed illnesses. You didn't have a risk. You are not going to get infected by french kissing. Period.
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Thank you for the response RapidRod; so, basically you are saying that I did not even need to test in the first place. So there's no reason to test again @ 6 months right?
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You didn't need to test. No you do not need to test to 6 months.