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HIV |
From:
Sent:
To: drgian@stdweb.com
Subject: hiv transmissionDr. Gian:
Although, I am very knowledgeable about HIV and its tranmission, I
have become quite concerned over a contact I had with an HIV+ person.
The contact was non-sexual and may be deemed social in nature. Here's
the 411 on my contact: I ate the food from and shared the glass several
times of an HIV+ person. This contact occurred on 7/30. As I said I am
very knowdgeable about this disease. I understand that although saliva
may contain the virus, it does not transmit it. Also, I understand that
in my contact case, blood, not just saliva needed to be present for
transmission. I don't recall blood on his food or drink! Yet, I remain
concerned. In your opinion, do I have a valid concern? Should I be
tested? I am close to the 30 day mark when I could request a HIV DNA PCR
COMBO test. Am I worried well? Or do I have a legitimate concern.
Final note, i am dealing with emotional concerns regarding this
contact having to do with my best friend who failed to disclose to me
his friend's HIV+ status. I feel totally betrayed by my best friend. He
feels he was maintaining his HIV+ friend's confidentiality. I feel so
violated and feel he has not tried to protect me. Any comments, advise,
or your reactions would be much appreciated on my two-fold concerns. I
await your response.
Hi,
I would say that a virus
transmission in the type of contact you had is very unlikely and your
concern, although legitimate, is mostly fueled by an emotion. As for
your friend's behavior it must be put in context. What I mean is the way
we hold this and other types of STD infections in our society, where
authenticity is scarce and the need of hypocrisy overwhelming.
Be well
Dr. Gian |
From:
Sent:
To: drgian@stdweb.com
Subject:
Hi Dr. Gian,
I'm a 25 year old heterosexual male and I just recently tested
negative a few weeks ago for HIV. I have never engaged in homosexual
sex, never had a blood transfusion (thank God), never used IV drugs.
Just a week or so after my HIV test results came in, I had sex with an
old girlfriend of mine. The intercourse was protected with condoms for
both vaginal and anal. However, we both performed oral sex on each
other, unprotected. At the time of performing oral sex, I had no sores
on my tongue or inside/outside of my mouth, my gums are in good shape
(no gingivitis or anything of that nature). the only thing i can think
of is a few cavities, but nothing where blood is pouring out. I didn't
swallow any vaginal fluids, but i did stick my tongue inside her.
My question to you is have I put myself at risk for HIV again? If so, do
I have to wait 3 months to get tested again, and is the Rapid Test good
enough or should I get the whole blood withdrawn and wait 5 days test?
Please if you can respond to my email address because I'm really worried
about this. Thank You.
Hi,
it seems to me that your concern is a bit exaggerated given the
knowledge you had of your partner and the protection during the
intercourse. But the risk is always there lurking in the background.
Just think of an HIV positive female partner in her immediate post
menstrual period when blood droplets are still present.
Testing for
HIV is up to you and the Rapid HIV test done in 20 minutes
is the same Elisa test done in the laboratories. The rule of the 3
months applies also to the Rapid HIV Test.
In good health.
Dr, Gian
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From:
Sent:
To: drgian@stdweb.com
Subject:HIV TestingHello Doc,
Thanks for your time and advice.
A condom broke during oral sex. I was receiving.
One week later I had swollen and painful lymph nodes.
I have also had night sweats. I had an ELISA and PCR test at 28 days.
Both were negative. It seems nobody wants to answer my question. Is it
possible to have symptoms that are created by HIV and still test
negative on both tests. I figured if my body is under that much stress
because of the virus I should be
testing positive. I am seeing a Dr. next month. That
is the soonest I could get in. Do I get another test at 3 months and 6
months. Or should I accept the PCR as final. What else could this be.
Thanks again!
Hi,
Given your description I would consider a Herpes infection, probably of
the type1, as a first possibility. Therefore test for
Herpes at the same
time you test for HIV. A negative HIV-PCR at 28 days is already a good
sign. But remember that HIV PCR is not approved by FDA for the diagnosis
of HIV infection and is used primarily as follow up on therapy results
for people with AIDS. Therefore to answer that question you need to
repeat an HIV ELISA three and even six months form the date of contact.
Be well.
Dr. Gian
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