AboutKristen Brannock, MPH Expertise I can answer any of your questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.
Experience I trained with the Red Cross to be an HIV/AIDS counselor and I am a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service.
Organizations CARES and trained by the Red Cross I also have my Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education.
Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH Date: 4/25/2008 Subject: Risk of infection, worried about ARS symptoms
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.
