Expert: Terry B - 5/11/2010

Question
Hi Terry:

I dated my son's father from 2005-2007.  I got pregnant with my son in 07, and had an HIV test done during the pregnancy; it was negative.  My question is, is a year and some change long enough for the test to show a positive if I was positive?  Also, do doctors usually test newborns for this disease?  Would my son be sick if he was infected?  Would I be sick?  Also, what are some real statistics on HIV infection in the US?  I am going to get re-tested, as my Human Sexuality class at college signed a pledge to get HIV test done, but I am now terrified!  Any and all info you can offer would be awesome!
Thanks!
Abbie

Answer
Dear Abbie:

Peace.  I have similar personal experience, but in the days before the quality of tests available now.  I know first-hand the anxiety - and the solution.  Get tested.

Of some relative comfort might be that today's testing choices include greater sensitivity and specificity to HIV than some 20 years ago when I faced a similar concern.  I'd had an occupational exposure and was tested immediately - only to learn years and three kids later (while training as an HIV educator) that an antibody test wouldn't have shown my infection.  I dreaded going in for testing, but the relief in knowing my status afterwards made me wonder why I'd waited at all.

The chances of an infection, even if your son's father was positive, are less than 100%.  The chance of passing that infection along to your son, even if you were infected, is roughly 25% without treatment (and approaching 0% with treatment).  

Get tested today and let information overcome the needless fears.  If you are negative, you'll be relieved; if positive, you can avail yourself of treatment to reduce the damage of the virus and then check your son's status - helping him access treatment if necessary.   There really is no down side to being tested today, and I know you'll be in better shape for knowing, rather than fearing or guessing.

Best to you and yours!

Terry