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AIDS/HIV Transmission

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Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 5/25/2007


Question
About a month ago i had protected sex with a HIV+ man. IS there a chance i
could get HIV? I have been freaking out alittle bit these past few months. I had a
cough and some other symptoms. Does this mean i could have acute HIV
syndrome? When should i get tested so i can know for sure?

Answer
When used correctly, condoms are 99% effective at preventing the spread of HIV. If the condom did not break it is highly unlikely you would have HIV from this incident-given that there wasnt any other unprotected sex that took place.

If you want to test, wait 3 months post-exposure because there is a window period with the test.

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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)

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