Expert: Terry B - 9/28/2006

Question
Dear SIR Terry,

Thanks for your reply, I hope you understand me !

I get involved in an accident just two days before my indicent with the dog! When I was riding bicycle, I hit a man, the bump was so hard that we were both bleeding( i saw blood in his hand), but that man help me to stand, and we shook hands too, I had some bleeding wounds in my arm, as I got home, I told my sister about the accident, she told me that I was so stupid since I had open wounds and that mean I was facing HIV infection..

I think that my risk was  low, but, anyway, I would take a test, but two days later, I was in to trouble with the dog, and I got inoculated with the vaccine....

I has a good knowledge of HIV transmission - window periods, so, I know that it is a waste of money to test after two days, in fact, my city does not have early-test methods like P24-PCR...

I hope that you could help me out, my doctor does not know much about HIV...

SO, my question is : in my case, the time-frame for me to take a test is still the same or I need more time,  my body fight against two infections at the same time and it takes more time than usual to procedure detectable anti-body?

PLS help me ! I am so confused!


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Followup To

Question -
Dear Experts,

I am very grateful for your kindness in the previous reply, but this is a very unlucky month for me..

I have been awaiting to take a HIV test,(I do not want to talk about my story ) but last-week, when I was walking, a dog came and bite me, since I was afraid that that dod was mad, so I took a vaccine....I need to take 06 shots...

I have one question:

If I took the vaccine, and my body would produce anti-body agaisnt mad -disease, DOes this vaccine effect the time for my body to produce anti-body agaisnt HIV and I need moretime to take a HIV-test ? I mean, you recommend a test after 03 months, but in my case, Do I need to wait at least 06 months to test HIV ?

PLEASE help me! I am so confusing, I have enough anxiety....

Thanks alot in ADVANCE,

Answer -
Dear TIN:

Do not hesitate - Discuss your fears, possible HIV infection, and all other pertaining facts with your doctor immediately.  Your HIV status should be known prior to beginning any vaccine; rapid tests for HIV should be employed; again, speak directly to your physician or health provider and make him/her aware of your concerns and ask to be tested with the rapid assay.

Terry

Answer
Dear TIN:

Peace and health to you.  By saying your doctor does not know much about HIV I assume you have spoken with him/her as I advised you do in my last message.  If this is incorrect, go see your doctor before even reading the rest of this message and inform her/him of your concerns.

I thank you also for your description of the incident which caused you to believe you might have been infected with HIV.  The incident you described appears at no real risk of infection - your shaking hands with the man, even if he had blood on his hand, is decidedly low in risk unless your open wounds touched his blood.  Nevertheless, any and all concerns you have should be discussed with your health provider.

Lastly, some explanation for the strong message to inform your health provider.  Your health provider should know about your HIV status before administering any vaccine.  There are recommended immunizations for persons with HIV and those that are NOT recommended.  

Bottom line, as we say in the States, is that:

1) Your chances of having been infected with HIV as a result of your bicycle accident is slim to none but your health care provider should be informed;

2) If you have been infected with HIV, it is a disease that progresses slowly, can and is being managed by medications;

3) Rabies (very rare - what you describe as a possible "mad dog" disease) is an infection that must be treated with the series of injections you described in an earlier question.  The danger to your health should you be infected with rabies is much more immediatly life-threatening than HIV.

Again, the best of health to you, and rest your fears about HIV infection based on what you described, but do discuss your concerns (all of them) with your doctor.

Sincerely,


Terry