POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: javelintrower on August 13, 2006, 07:56:31 pm
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Hi, I've been a wreck all day today. I had unprotected sex last Thursday- Saturday w/ my new girlfriend so 10 days ago. Not totally unprotected, I put a condom on after we have sex for awhile before I ejaculate...and we have unprotected oral. Anyway, on Tuesday, she started exhibiting flu like symptoms. Sore throat, swollen glands, high fever. The doc thought she had strep or mono. On the same day, I developed a swollen gland under my chin, and what can only be called a cold sore under my lip. Neither of us have ever had cold sores before, and the mono/strep tests came back negative. She is not as sick, but still is fatigues and has a sore throat. My gland is huge and I now have 2 cold sores. The doc told her yesterday that she needs to get an HIV test, and that I should too. So of course we have been freaking out. I've been online looking at information, and on this site, and it does seem logical. I have 2 questions. First, does this seem like HIV to get the flu symptoms so quickly? or is the doc just being cautious? and 2...I've seen some things on this site regarding some drugs you can take right after you've been with someone who has HIV. Are we within that timeframe? I must unfortunately say based on her sexual experience vs. mine that if someone does have it, it would be me. Now I'd like to know if that is the case, does she have a chance?
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Hi, I just moved to Philadelphia, I'm hoping someone is on these boards from here and could tell me where I can go to get a quick screening tomorrow? My last post will indicate the 'why so anxious'.
Thanks so much in advance!
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jav,
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 (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=220.0) so you can familiarize yourself with our Forum Posting Guidelines.
Thank you for your cooperation.
A test now will only tell you your hiv status from three months ago. To find out if you and your girlfriend are both conclusively hiv negative you need to test at 12-13 weeks past your last incident of unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse. A test six weeks from now would be a very good indication of your hiv status, but you must test again at three months to be certain.
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.
Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.
For a testing center near you, go to the HIV testing center database (http://www.hivtest.org/index.htm) and enter your zip code.
When you read the Welcome thread, please follow the links to the Transmission Lesson and the Testing Lesson. Please keep in mind that symptoms or the lack of symptoms mean nothing when it comes to hiv infection. Only testing will reveal your hiv status.
You and your girlfriend need to use condoms through the test of your window period.
Ann
Ann
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Thanks for the info.. I think I'm getting tested right away because the last time in the past year I had unprotected intercourse was New Years...so I should show something by now. So, do you think the symptoms presenting are cause for HIV alarm? I went on the database, thanks, it's difficult to use though, no Philadelphia specific clinics come up?
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jav,
Symptoms of any sort are not cause for alarm. They mean nothing where hiv is concerned - and the absence of symptoms doesn't mean you're in the clear either.
If you test now it would give you what is called a baseline, but you still need further testing as you have had a risk - both of you.
I'm sorry you're having trouble with the testing database. I can't help further because I'm not even in the States. Try looking for Planned Parenthood in your local phone book. If they can't help they might be able to point you in the right direction.
Ann
Ann
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Thanks,I will call planned parenthood this morning. I've been reading different things about the oraquick results....the product website states 99% accurate, but the posts on this site seem to indicate a much lower percent of accuracy. I just read 1/20 false negatives? Can anyone shed more light on this?
Thanks
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jav,
I don't know where that poster got his (mis)information. You'd be wise to take the words of other posters who are here with their own concerns with a pinch of salt.
Nothing in this world is 100% except death and taxes. The 99% accuracy usually refers to false POSITIVE results. Negative results can be trusted when they are done at the end of the three month window period.
Ann
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Ann, thanks for that info.. I just got back from the clinic. I tested negative, so I now have a baseline, and my other unsafe intercourse in January is out. I shouldl get tested again in 3 months right? I thank you for answering my questions, I know I was very anxious and upset before finding this site and you helped me more than you know. Thanks.
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jav,
Yes, you should test again in 12-13 weeks. And please, start using condoms for intercourse every time, no exceptions, from now on until you've tested together with the other person and are in an exclusive relationship with them.
Ann
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I will, no exceptions!
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UPDATE*
Well, my symptoms got worse so I've had all sorts of tests and even a CT scan to show where my infection was coming from. The docs say I have herpes..which i pretty much knew from my symptoms. They're still unsure about the other symptoms...they think it may be a result of this being my first herpes outbreak. My g/f is still sick with her symprtoms. She gets her HIV and full std test done monday.
I am very worried, but if she comes back negative, it will ease my mind somewhat until my next test in 3 months. Just an update.
-Jav