I had protected sex with someone I didn't really know. Since I don't know his past, am I at risk? I was tested for STD's, results were negative, but didn't have a HIV test done. I'm female, and since it was my first time, I bled. A few months later I had a terrible flu, throwing up mostly, then about 4 months after that, I got laryngitis. Do you think I was infected with HIV? Im terrified to get tested.
Hello there,
Thank you for trusting AIDS Vancouver with your concerns. Please accept my apology for the delay in response; I have been away for a few days.
I’m glad to hear that you had protected sex; that significantly reduces the risk of STI’s and HIV! Usually the sickness that comes along following an HIV infection is a pretty severe flu like illness, which comes on a couple of weeks after being infected. I can’t say whether or not you are infected with HIV. What I do know is that sex with protection is considered low risk whereas sex without protection is considered high risk.
I feel that routine periodic testing is 1 piece of a good sexual health regime. Medical professionals will not judge you. In fact, you can go and have what is referred to as a non-nominal test, where only a number is attached to the test, and not your name. If I were a medical professional, I would look at you as a responsible person who wants to know what your status is. I’ve had HIV tests done when I’ve only ever had protected sex. Because I believe that it’s part of a good sexual health regime.
I hope that this helps but please let me know if I can provide any further information!
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604-696-4666
helpline@aidsvancouver.org
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