You are here:

AIDS/HIV Aids

Advertisement

Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 3/28/2006


Question
If someone had unprotected sex with an infected person without bleeding or so then can a person become infected, and if so then how long will it take to show symptoms of infection.

When (time) should he get himself tested for HIV.  

Answer
Having unprotected sex with an HIV+ person puts that person at risk and yes, transmission can occur. Bleeding is not necessary for transmission to occur via unprotected sex. Some people develop symptoms similar to those of the flu within days of infection-but they go away and the virus can go unnoticed for many years until the person has progressed to having AIDS, at which time they may show a variety of symptoms, all depending on the type of illness they have.

I would suggest that the person contact a testing center now and ask what type of testing they perform. The time to come in depends on the test.  

AIDS

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Kristen Brannock, MPH

Expertise

I can answer 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 become an HIV/AIDS counselor and was a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service in college. I have an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and conduct research in the field of HIV prevention. I also take continuing education courses in HIV/STI prevention periodically.

Education/Credentials
Master of Public Health Health Behavior and Health Education UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health (formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.