Important note: Information in this Q&A was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.


Question:

I am a 36 yr. old female who had unprotected vaginal sex on September 24th, 2007, for approximately 2-3 minutes (came to my senses and asked him to stop) as I realized his past history is unknown to me. 3 weeks to the date of the incident, I came down with fever (over 100 deg.), diarrhea and malaise. It should be noted that I had my gall bladder removed 3 years ago and seldom have had a solid bowel movement since, so I am not sure if the diarrhea is related. I am now going on my fourth week and my fever has continued... goes away, then comes back but stays around 94.4 to 94.7.

I am scheduled for testing with my OB/Gyn in 2 days but have been advised that the results can take up to 2 weeks. I am already in panic mode most of every day and there is not a minute that goes by that I do not think about what I've done and how stupid I've been. Furthermore, I am already finding myself interacting with my children differently for fear of infected them with something... is there any reassurances you can provide in my case so that I can have some peace of mind during the waiting period for my results?

Answer provided by:

Donna Sweet, M.D., MACP
Professor of Internal Medicine
University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita


The symptoms that you have described do not sound like acute HIV infection or what we would see in an acute seroconversion reaction. It is very good that you realized your potential risk and sought to protect yourself from further exposure to HIV and other potential diseases, however the good news is that this would be very difficult for you to become infected from such a limited exposure unless this person was extremely ill---and in that case your desire and ability to have vaginal intercourse with that person would be limited.

In the worst case scenario that you might have a positive test, you can rest assured that you are not putting your family at risk. HIV is not spread by casual contact, kissing or interacting in a normal house hold fashion. It is recommended that people not share razors or toothbrushes as that can spread many diseases, but otherwise, your family are not at risk for contracting HIV by living with you.

I really feel that, from this exposure, your risk of infection is minimal. It is good that you are having the test---everyone should have at least one to make sure that they do not have this disease. Try not to panic, take the test so that you will be reassured, and give your children a hug. I wish you well and I feel very certain that you will choose your future partners wisely and will use appropriate precautions in the future so that you will not go thru this anxiety again.



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