Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 4/25/2008

Question
I'd like to thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my question.

I'm a 18-year-old female living in England, and on March 27th I had unprotected sex with a black male. I don't know his status. 18 days later, I developed a sore throat, which seemed to go away in a couple of days. 26 days after exposure, I developed a red spot on my uvula, and the next day my sore throat came back. My glands seem to be swollen in my neck, also. It's now 29 days since exposure, and I'm a nervous wreck, though I know my symptoms aren't ARS-specific.

My question is -
What is the risk of HIV in my situation, and would it be worth getting tested now, or is it too early?
Also, what are the actual symptoms of ARS?

Thanks again for your time.

Answer
You need to see a doctor about your symptoms.

All I can tell you is that having unprotected sex puts you at risk. Unprotected oral sex carries the least risk, then vaginal then anal sex.

The window period for testing is 1-3 months. It is probably a little early to test since it has not been 1 month post possible exposure.