Expert: Terry B - 10/4/2007

Question
I had unprotected vaginal and brief anal sex with my boyfriend  (who had spent the entire year before living in Brooklyn for college, and who knows what he really did out there) on August 15th.  I have had strange symptoms, but exactly 4 weeks after the potential exposure I tested negative for HIV, how accurate is that result?  I am now 7 weeks after exposure and will be testing again next week (at 8 weeks) but it feels like so long to wait, and I've been a nervous wreck.

Answer
Dear Kristen:

Peace and all good things to you.  Four weeks is a bit early for antibody test results; six to eight weeks is a lot better, six months captures about all who will test postive.  If you are having "strange symptoms" I would hope you are in discussion with a physician who can address not only HIV but other issues that might be causing your symptoms.  There are, depending on your circumstances, a wide variety of options on HIV, STI, and other testing; the decision on what works best for you should be the subject of discussion with your doctor.

Regarding being a nervous wreck:  You are either infected or not infected, and no worry will change that.  If you are infected, there are treatments available which allow people to manage this disease, and they have and will improve with time.  Until you know your test results, protect yourself from the fluids of others and protect others from your blood, vaginal secretions (and breast milk if applicable).

It is my hope that you are negative for HIV, and an easier cause and treatment for your "strange symptoms" will be found in discussion with your health provider.

Wishing you and yours the best,

Terry