Expert: Terry B - 8/9/2008

Question
Hi
I had a brief encounter almost 5 weeks ago with a CSW whose HIV status was unknown, however I took all the safe sex rules into mind, putting a condom way before any physical contact. However, I noticed at a time that I had a slight opening with a tiny dry blood tip on one of my thumbs I used to hold the condom, to make sure it wouldn´t slip off during intercourse. I got worried that my thumb could have had any type of contact with the vaginal fluids on the condom, and in addition 4 weeks after occurance I had a sore throat. So 4 weeks after the encounter I went for a rapid HIV test that turned up negative. Should I feel safe with this result? was at any point this slight opening a high risk point?

Many thanks
Castro

Answer
Dear Castro:

Peace.  Not knowing the specific test, I would wait at least another two weeks and be re-tested with an approved antibody test.  Yes, your risk is small - but does exist.  The open cut or partially healed does put you at some risk if it encounters fluids from an HIV infected person.  So I'd recommend waiting a total of six weeks from the potential exposure before feeling more certain.  Also, the risk of other sexually transmitted infections from anyone who has multiple partners is significant, and these are more easily transmitted than HIV.  

My recommendation?  See a health professional or visit an HIV/STI/STD clinic for state of the art testing for HIV and other infections.  This protects you and your partners.  

Best to you and yours,

Terry