AboutIan Expertise All aspects of HIV and AIDS, with a special interest in a person`s individual perception and understanding of the virus. Why ? Because this will help in prevention !
Experience As teacher and researcher in the field of HIV and AIDS care.
Organizations I am a lecturer at a University in the UK, and advise a number of organisations on HIV/AIDS and especially the stigma that surrounds HIV.
Question QUESTION: I have been doing so much reading my mind is swimming. I began having a burning mouth about 6 months ago I chew tobacco and take high blood pressure meds but I look on the internet and see all kinds of bad stuff about hiv. I am 33 male I have been to several doctors who all said its not thrush but yet I still look at the internet. I did go and get tested and it was negative how good are the test in 2008 and can i put my mind to ease with a negative test
ANSWER: Hi
Thanks for the question - well, your symptoms could be due to lots of things - and HIV tests are pretty reliable.
I would follow the advice of your doctors. For more information, I recommend this website:
www.avert.org
Best wishes
Ian
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Ok let me ask you another question if a male had oral thrush due to HIV would the test show this? I just worry due to the work I am in I am in law enforcement and handle all kinds of people and wasnt very safe at times in my earlier years. I also had a cbc blood test that showed normal. I am looking into the blood pressure meds causing the problems since the med that I was on had a ace inhibitor in it oh and thanks for the quick response
Answer Hi
Thanks for the follow up. Well, if oral thrush was linked to an HIV infection, it would certainly show up on a test! (thrush is a fairly late symptom).
Keep in touch with your doctors...they can give good advice.
