Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 11/12/2007

Question
About six months ago, my living girlfriend was tested positive for HIV. I was tested negative. The family doctor recommend that I continue to be tested every three months. We have reduced our sexual encounters to once every two weeks. On my next two tests I was tested negative. Her current cd4 count is 420.  I don't know the viral load.
Two weeks ago, we experienced our first condom break. The condom broke and I quickly pulled. I was exposed for about 20 seconds. We stopped completely. We have not and don't plan to have sex until  I am confortable. There was no sight of blood and we were both dry. Now I am terrified because I noticed this little rash on my elbow for the past week and it is very itchy? I have no other symptoms.
Your quick response would be appreciated.

Answer
If you did contract HIV 2 weeks ago, you would NOT be having symptoms this early. It takes years for them to develop. If your girlfriend is taking medicine to keep her viral load down, your chances are good. I would talk to the doctor treating your girlfriend and advising you on safer sex.