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About Ian
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.

Education/Credentials
To doctorate level.

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Medical Specialists > Immunology (including AIDS) > STD or HIV

Immunology (including AIDS) - STD or HIV

Expert: Ian - 10/18/2009

Question
Hello, I have been married now for 10 years and have a 5 year old healthy little girl. 10 Years ago I had unprotected sex with my girlfriend at the time (6 months of dating). If I was infected by HIV or other, would I have seen something by now. My wife and I are both healthy and my 5 year daughter is just fine. Not sure where this came up but now very nervous...Any thoughts ?

Answer
Hi

Thanks for the question. Well, unprotected sex does carry a risk of HIV, though in a single episode with an infected person, there is a 1 (one) percent chance of catching the virus. Symptoms of being infected with HIV sometimes don't appear for a few years, though in many instances these do appear within 10 years.

I would say that if you live in an area of low HIV prevalence (Canada?), then the chances of you being infected are low, unless your girlfriend was from an area with a lot of HIV.

The chances are you're not infected.

Hope this helps - feel free to send a follow up.

Best wishes

Ian

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