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Prevention & Transmission



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I had unprotected sex sometime in 2000-01 with a sex worker and that was my first sexual experience. I got married in December 2002 and me and my wife have been absolutely faithfully all through out. She got pregnant in Jan 2005 and she had the mandatory HIV test done in her 3rd month of pregnancy and it came as negative only. Suddenly I feel a bit paranoid about having being HIV positive.
Posted: April 2, 2007
Response: Octavio Vallejo, M.D.

About seven months ago, I had unprotected anal sex with someone of unknown status (I was the insertive partner). A few weeks later, and a couple of weeks after noticing the symptoms, I was admitted to hospital with swollen glands, sore throat, extreme fatigue, a rash on chest, and palms, and diarrhea. I told the doctors of my possible exposure, and I was tested with ELISA and P24 antigen for HIV, both returned negative at around seven weeks.
Posted: March 12, 2007
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am a diabetic (diet controlled) therefore do self finger-stick testing several times per day. My question is, what is the chance of infection with body fluids/blood coming into contact with the finger test sites...
Posted: January 23, 2007
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Ok, I am really paranoid here. I lived in a house with someone with HIV for a few weeks and may have accidently used his toothbrush a few times.....It has been five years and I had a minor case of shingles. Should I get tested for HIV?
Posted: January 22, 2007
Response: Octavio Vallejo, M.D.

Hi, I recently went to Cambodia for a holiday. While I was there, I went for a manicure and was cut on my finger by the cuticle cutter/nail cutter. My worry is that the instrument is infected with HIV virus, since it is apparent that they do not clean the instruments after each use. Is the amount of blood that is possibly on the cuticle cutter enough to transmit the virus?
Posted: January 12, 2007
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

There was a friend of the family over yesterday and he has full blown AIDS and no one told me. We shared a marijuana blunt and I would like to know if you can catch the disease by saliva?
Posted: December 14, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

We have a nephew living with AIDS. We recently had a family dinner, I noticed he used his fork to cut an appetizer for us to share after he had eaten with this. I know the AIDS virus is in saliva, what are the dangers?
Posted: December 4, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Is it possible that HIV virus can survive for long in water?
Posted: July 13, 2006
Response: Peter Shalit, M.D.

I'm a female who has always used a condom for intercourse. However, I have a question about oral sex. I would prefer to give and receive oral sex without using a condom. What is my risk of catching AIDS and other diseases if I perform oral sex on a man?
Posted: July 12, 2006
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

I keep having very paranoid thoughts, and I don't know why. Yesterday I got my blood taken for an HIV test....what are the chances that could've gotten HIV from it?
Posted: July 5, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

My step-daughter's boyfriend was just diagnosed with full blown AIDS. Can you tell me what are the chances that a person who had sex with someone with full blown AIDS will get AIDS? How long will she have to be tested to know that she is "out of the woods"?
Posted: June 26, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

If a man is infected by another through anal penetration, how soon could the infection show up in a blood test?
Posted: June 16, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

There is currently much confusion in my country, South Africa, regarding the best treatment for HIV/AIDS infections. I have the following questions, which I would be grateful for some straight and clear answers.
Posted: June 14, 2006
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

About 5 1/2 weeks ago I had unprotected sex, at 4 weeks and 2 days I had an HIV test that was negative. but for the last week or so I have been itchy- mainly on my arms, legs, a little on my back and even on my scalp. Does this sound typical for the ARS rash, or do you think its something else???
Posted: June 12, 2006
Response: Rodger MacArthur, M.D.

Is HIV transmissible through nasal mucus?
Posted: November 1, 2005
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

I am a recent victim of sexual assault, namely anonymous rape. How long does it take to be determined as HIV positive?
Posted: October 19, 2005
Response: Rodger MacArthur, M.D.

My wife and I have our in-laws baby-sit our new baby during the week when we are both at work. Living with them is my wife's brother who is HIV positive. He is a good guy, going to school, etc. The other day he was holding him (my baby) and wiped some spittle from his lips with his finger. It freaked me out.
Posted: October 7, 2005
Response: Donna Sweet, M.D.

I have just begun stripping and went to a private bachelor party. I was recently tested for HIV and it was negative (before this evening). However at this bachelor party the men wanted to give me oral sex. I wouldn't let them because I know I am negative and don't want any risks.
Posted: October 6, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

My husband is bi-sexual and one of his "partners" has been diagnosed with HIV. Should I be tested for the disease right away? He says there was not any true contact, but...
Posted: October 6, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

So do you think you could help me ease my paranoia a little by simply answering this question: Can I get an STD from precum during oral sex?
Posted: May 30, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

On Friday 12th May I had the unfortunate accident of being exposed to an HIV infected patient's blood through a needle stick. The Hospital initiated their protocol; they put me on PEP and gave me a PCR test which came back negative. I'd like to know how reliable you think a PCR test's results are if given within 2 hrs post exposure.
Posted: May 30, 2006
Response: Martin Markowitz, M.D.

I'm from Bangladesh. A few days ago I found in a daily news story that a boy was affected by AIDS through the roadside food. It was found that, the food maker was suffering from AIDS and during making food he cut his finger and blood was mixed with the food. My question is, if the AIDS germ goes to our stomach, then how it spread out from there?
Posted: May 24, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

In February, March, and April 2006 I visited a saunas and had lots of unprotected sexual contact with other men, especially oral and rimming. In no encounter have I taken a penis but others have taken mine and I always wear a condom for that particular activity. I am extremely worried that I have AIDS because 2 days after the April visit I noticed a quite large white spot on the back of my throat that was painless but rough and didn't diminish when brushing it.
Posted: May 24, 2006
Response: Peter Shalit, M.D.

I had unprotected sex with girl from West Africa 7 months ago. Tested negative after 1, 3 and 6 months and still I have many HIV-like symptoms. The HIV-tests in Norway do not test for HIV-1 type O. Are there other tests to consider?
Posted: May 16, 2006
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

I was stuck by a needle in the forearm. The needle was on the ground (no idea how long) and I rolled onto it with almost my full weight (Lawn seats at a concert.) and it went all the way in. It looked empty. Is there an HIV risk with this? How long can HIV survive in a needle?
Posted: May 15, 2006
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

I have not been HIV tested in over a year now. My last test was negative. I have had 2 boyfriends since that time and now suffer from frequent, painful boils.
Posted: May 12, 2006
Response:Mark Katz, M.D.

I was recently told by the woman I have been intimate with that she has HIV. What concerns me about this is that I recently went to the dentist and, as a result of dental work, have a 'wound' in my gums between my teeth which is not completely healed. My question is: how great is the risk that I have contracted HIV through the activities described above? Should I ask her whether she has/had any wounds in her mouth during the period that we kissed?
Posted: May 12, 2006
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

I had sex with a prostitute. I do not know if she had any STDs, like HIV. I used a condom and I did NOT ejaculate. Assuming that the prostitute has STDs, is there any chance that I may have gotten STDs?
Posted: April 28, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

How soon after contact should I be tested for HIV?
Posted: April 28, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Hi, I'm an 18 year old mother and I have a son that is 8 1/2 months old, his grandfather (my father-in-law ) is HIV positive. Well, my son is always trying to put his hands in his grandfathers mouth, I was wondering if there are any chances of him getting infected, please respond ASAP because I want to prevent it.
Posted: April 21, 2006
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

For the past 3 weeks, I have been in a monogamous relationship with a man who has been HIV positive for 16 years. Due to a misunderstanding, until last week, I thought "all" he had was Hep C and genital herpes...We had oral sex (each giving and receiving), and one incident of unprotected vaginal sex...My question is threefold...
Posted: April 21, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

In regards to STD's and HIV, are bodily fluids exchanged through the head of the penis or through the foreskin of the penis?
Posted: April 21, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I was wondering if you could get HIV or AIDS through kissing when you have your tongue pierced?
Posted: April 17, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

My son recently rendered aid to a person with open bleeding wounds with AIDS. He (my son)had several scabbed over cuts on his hands. Do scabbed over wounds count as open wounds?
Posted: April 17, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

My boyfriend is taking Combivir and Sustiva tablets. We have been dating since October of last year and I just would like to get more information about the risk of partners barebacking if one is HIV positive and the other that is doing the barebacking is not [HIV positive].
Posted: April 17, 2006
Response: Martin Markowitz, M.D.

...are the woman's labia minora considered to be mucous membranes through which HIV can be absorbed into the bloodstream?
Posted: April 4, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I was tested for HIV in December with "non-reactive" results. In the incident there was transfer of feces from the receptive person to myself. Since there was a transfer of feces, would that put me at risk for Hepatitis C? If there was co-infection with HIV/HCV, could there be a delay in seroconversion for both viruses' antibodies?
Posted: March 30, 2006
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am very concerned about possible exposure to HIV-2. I am married and in a monogamous marriage. My husband informed me that he had sex with a prostitute in Mexico before we were together and the condom broke during vaginal intercourse with her.
Posted: March 29, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I would like to know the chance of acquiring HIV while bathing in a bath tub with HIV infected person....
Posted: March 26, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I only had one sexual partner and he got tested for HIV, it came back negative. My quesiton is, since he was the only person I have been with, do I still need to get tested if his test was negative? If so, why?
Posted: March 26, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

It is said that the HIV virus survives in the body fluids outside the body for just several hours...But what if these fluids do not dry up (for example in water or wet environment, or in an ointment)?
Posted: March 26, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

My barber unintentionally cut me on the forehead with his scissors. Is it possible to acquire HIV from this incident? Will drinking alcoholic drinks before an HIV TEST effect the result of the test? A single act of unprotected sex has a risk factor of 1% or less, how about sharing of needles?
Posted: March 14, 2005
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

A search on the Internet for HIV home test kits will produce dozens of results, most not approved by the US FDA. Though the reliability of these kits are suspect, how safe are they ? I mean, can the developer solutions supplied with these kits be contaminated or cause HIV infections to occur ?
Posted: March 14, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I have had negative Oralquick and ELISA tests at the 6 week mark. After the ELISA, the doc said she was almost 100% sure that I didn't have HIV because today's tests can tell within 6-8 weeks...
Posted: March 11, 2005
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

Question, If a male were to ejaculate into a condom, then placed that condom in a regular at home freezer and the semen became frozen, if that male was HIV positive, would the semen still be infectious after it was thawed out?
Posted: March 9, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Hi, I have been having unprotected oral sex with my girlfriend who has recently been diagnosed with HIV. What kind of risk am I at?
Posted: March 7, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I had unprotected vaginal intercourse with a young lady that I later found out is quite promiscuous, though I don't know her HIV status. Three days later I got painful, swollen tonsils with a sore throat. Can just swollen tonsils and sore throat be the only symptoms of ARS?
Posted: March 7, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Hi, about 2 months ago I made a huge mistake and had sex with a transvestite person, we exhanged oral and I received anal from her, we used condoms, I recently just took a test for HIV at 8 weeks and it turned out negative...
Posted: March 7, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Hello, my 19 year old son had an accident on the soccer field where another player's mouth hit him on the knee. His skin was broken and there was a lot of blood from the other players mouth. He is now on a 6week antiviral course, but is very stressed about contracting the virus. What are the chances of contracting HIV from this incident?
Posted: March 1, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

...his freind who has AIDS was helping him fix the car when his friend also cut him self and a drop of blood landed on my brother's cut from the day before.Quickly he called his doctor and his doctor sent him to the emergency room and they prescribed him Lopinavir-Ritonavir, Viread, and Epivir.
Posted: March 1, 2005
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

Can you develop AIDS from living with someone with AIDS in prison?
Posted: March 1, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I have heard that the chances of a total top contracting HIV through anal sex (giving) is very, very low but still a possibility. I know I need to be tested and I will, but to bottom line it, if I have had unprotected anal sex with someone who is HIV positive, is it safe to assume that I most likely did not contract HIV from them?
Posted: March 1, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

But, before I put the condom I did some foreplay things...and that time my partner squirted and I saw a few drops of her ejaculation fall over my penis head
Posted: February 18, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

First, I was diagnosed HIV positive in early October 2004 with a VL of 93,000 and a CD4 count of 245.... now my HIV levels are undetectable...am I still contagious?
Posted: February 16, 2005
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

My question is, if a mother is currently infected and has a child, what is the possibility that child will be infected? Now what if the child is born and throughout 1 year the child was tested and came back negative, is there any possibility the child will be infected or carry the disease after the first year? How often does the child need to be checked?
Posted: February 14, 2005
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

Why is HIV transmitted through blood and semen, but not sweat?
Posted: February 11, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Last year, my daughter cut her finger while playing. Blood was oozing out. One of her friends mother's held her finger tightly and squeezed it several times for over five minutes to stop blood flow. I did not see any visible cuts on that lady's fingers. If she were HIV positive what are the chances of my daughter getting anything if there were rashes on her fingers?
Posted: February 11, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I'm a married bi-sexual male. I am 6' 0" and weigh about 16st. For the past 12 yrs I have been having regular unprotected sex with another man. My wife does not know about my " other life" and I do not want to visit my doc. Could I have HIV if my blood count was fine in November ?
Posted: February 9, 2005
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

I am a 23 year old gay male,I recently had unprotected oral sex with some who I found out is HIV+ after the fact! What do i do? When should i get tested? And how can enjoy sex with having to go thru this again? The was precum in my mouth.
Posted: February 4, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am a 38 y/o HIV+ married man under medications for 7 years. CD4 1110+ and vl [viral load] undetectable. I have been very cautious in my sex life with my wife and it has been reduced to almost never.
Posted: January 27, 2005
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I have a fourteen year old grandson who has started dating. How you get AIDS, and how you prevent AIDS are not high on his agenda. Do you have any literature that would help me lead into a educational conversation with him? He is very open with me and if I have the proper information in front of me, I believe he will respect my input.
Posted: January 27, 2005
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

In my country, Uganda, so many people mainly identfy HIV/AIDS with deteroriation of body weight. Therefore to avoid public descrimination and isolation, some AIDS victims secretely acquire and use Antiretroviral drugs without seeking proper professional advice of a physician. However, as a result some get overweight and obese.
Posted: January 27, 2005
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

Does swollen lymph nodes signal the production of antibodies? I took the antibody test OUTSIDE of the 24 week window period, but now have developed many persistently swollen lymph nodes...could this mean that my body just began to produce significant amounts of antibodies?
Posted: January 18, 2005
Response: Martin Markowitz, M.D.

I was exposed to an HIV positive man, who later informed me that he had it the whole four years we dated. I tested negative all the way up until yesterday - five years later I tested positive, why is this?
Posted: January 18, 2005
Response: Donna Sweet, M.D.

I have a newborn baby and my brother who is HIV positive is comming out to see him and I was wondering if there is any risk to my baby and how. And also, how is HIV transferred besides blood and saliva?
Posted: January 6, 2005
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

My ex-fiance died of AIDS on September 8, 2004. We had been having unprotected sex since January 2003. I didn't know that he was HIV positive (he told me that he suffered from a Gulf War illness from serving in the military) until right before he died.
Posted: December 27, 2004
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

Is it possible to transmit this disease if you are being treated by anti-AIDS drugs and have yourself no symptoms of the disease?
Posted: December 21, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am writing because I had a blood test and the lab tech re-used the Tube Holder on me from the last person, and I am very upset since my state, California, says they are not to re-use these items, and that even after one use they are contaminated. What are my risks, could you please answer?
Posted: December 21, 2004
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

I had unprotected sex and oral sex with few guys and on some occcasion they ejaculated in my mouth At that time I may have some mouth ulcers. I also had an anal penentration test that showed I had microscopic haematuria...
Posted: December 13, 2004
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

My ex husband has HIV and I found out this evening that our 16 year old daughter borrowed her father's razor to shave her legs. I immediately went into a panic.
Posted: December 13, 2004
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

Fist of all, I've heard of this study, and others like it, but it never addresses which type of oral sex the 8% engaged in - the giver or the getter. I find that to be frustrating...
Posted: December 8, 2004
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

I wanted to know if it sounds like HIV/AIDS or syphilis could be behind these symptoms-- About a month and a half ago I began experiencing tongue pain...
Posted: December 6, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I was on my period when this happened and he did cum inside me. I want to know are my risks higher or lower since I was on my period and blood was involved? Or does it even matter?
Posted: December 2, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Will a mixture of breastmilk and glandular secretion (Aerola oil) still able to transmit HIV...Is 175 days waiting period after a sexual exposure enough to go for a HIV test ?...Is it necessary to ask for both tests (HIV 1&2)?
Posted: December 1, 2004
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I have been dating a wonderful man (I am male too). In fact I can say he is the love of my life. He told me he is HIV+. The truth is that the information scared me, but I am torn because this is a very real relationship.
Posted: November 19, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I have herpes simplex and genital warts, I had one outbreak of herpes and have not had another one in about 6 months...I had an outbreak of warts at the same time, went to a dermatologist and had them frozen, they went away and came back in a week or two. Why does it keep recurring? Should I get tested for HIV or is this a common process to rid warts?
Posted: November 18, 2004
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

...if you needed to determine if an individual dies of a non-HIV/AIDS related incident, can the virus still be detected post mortem?
Posted: November 18, 2004
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

my boyfriend is HIV positive and has been for 5 years. If he were to finger me, would I be exposed to HIV? We have heard of sperm washing, would this be a method to have a child, being that I'm HIV negative? We have not had intercourse, what kind of protection would you recommend?
Posted: November 16, 2004
Response: Peter Shalit, M.D.

During Oral sex, if the semen is ingested, what are the odds that someone could contract HIV/AIDS?...and through "swallowing"?
Posted: November 16, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I was told that it is highly unlikely that I can contract an STD because I no longer have a uterus. The doctor mentioned gonnorhea, chylamydia , HPV, PID; but did not mention HIV. What are the chances of a woman without a uterus contracting HIV?
Posted: October 30, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I recently had unprotected sex with someone who was in the military. I'm extremely paranoid about this stuff and am freaking out that I could have HIV or something. He said that the military tests for HIV all the time and he said he's fine. Do you know if they really do test a lot?
Posted: October 21, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Hi, I am a 19 year old gay white male and I am HIV-. I just started dating a guy that is 32 and he is HIV+.
Posted: October 15, 2004
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

..he used to have a lot of unprotected sex with a girl that had full blown AIDS...But its too late! I already had sex with him like 5 times, all very unprotected and he came inside me all 5 times!!!
Posted: October 15, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Can a torniquete on the arm for more than 1 minute when taking the blood sample for an HIV test give a false negative?
Posted: October 15, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I and my boyfriend are together, he is HIV+ but not me. We did not have any sexual practice but we did deep kissing still now we practice it. But also, I want to have sex with him because I love him I do not want any other person except him, but also I do not want HIV. What shall I do?
Posted: September 20, 2004
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

I slept with someone and the condom broke he did not cum, but I found out he has AIDS.
Posted: September 15, 2004
Response: Rodger MacArthur, M.D.

Two weeks ago I had a one night stand. He gave me oral sex then we had unprotected intercourse...Four days after this encounter, I broke out in what I think were cold sores
Posted: August 30, 2004
Response: Peter Shalit, M.D.

Several replies to questions mention that the risk of HIV transmission from unprotected sex is roughly 1%? What is the source of/support for this estimate?
Posted: August 25, 2004
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

If I take a PCR test which comes out negative then will this, combined with the negative antibody result after 33 days, be a 100% certain result?
Posted: August 25, 2004
Response: Rodger MacArthur, M.D.

Hi could you tell me what is the chance of a HIV negative person catching HIV from one sexual encounter with a HIV positive person?
Posted: August 16, 2004
Response: Donna Sweet, M.D.

I visited a beauty salon for a pedicure. I had a small cut whilst dead skin was being removed from my toe. I was just wondering if those tools were previously used on an HIV positive person, can the virus be transmitted via those tools?
Posted: August 12, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am a 21 year old male who about 6 months ago had a very low case of shingles, I was wondering if thats a sign of HIV?
Posted: August 3, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Hello, can you tell me if an HIV positive woman's eggs are infected as well?
Posted: July 29, 2004
Response: Donna Sweet, M.D.

Almost 4 weeks to the day after I was assaulted I developed a rash on my hands, soles of my feet, and up my right arm and it was itchy on my feet and hands. However I was also on Augmentin...
Posted: July 29, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I had a completely protected sex with an escort a week back. There was no exchange of fluids of any sort. Do you think there is any chance of me getting infected inspite of using Latex condoms?
Posted: July 29, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

My husband is on crack cocaine and I am not sure if he is HIV positive or not...we are no longer together and I need to know what are my chances of showing up positive later.
Posted: July 29, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am going to go have blood work done soon. I have never been tested for HIV, I am nervous of the results.
Posted: July 29, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

My partner is HIV positive, I'm negative. We never had a monogamous relationship. My question is why I have never contracted the virus?
Posted: July 29, 2004
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I work with the mentaly ill, some of whom are HIV positive...
Posted: July 25, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

So much has been written about the risk of fingering, and there seems to be so many differing opinion. I was hoping that someone could clarify this for all of us, please...
Posted: June 23, 2004
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

I am a nurse working in a hospital and was taking care of a patient who is HIV positive. I was disconnecting her IV tubing from her heparin trap and the clave came off the IV line and blood spilled out before I could get it connected again. I was not wearing gloves at the time (my mistake) and a drop of blood, sized approximately less than a quarter of a dime, was on the tip of my finger.
Posted: June 23, 2004
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

Two weeks ago, I was raped by a burgular. I was given Combivir at the hospital (about 3 hours after the rape). I'm 19 years old. Could you please tell me what my chances are of not being HIV+?
Posted: June 21, 2004
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

I'm wondering if there is risk in the backyard ballgames? In organized school sports, adults stop the game to stop bleeding, apply bandages, etc., but in casual games, kids dont stop play for every scrape and cut. I don't know the HIV status of these kids...
Posted: June 21, 2004
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

I have been with my partner for seven years. He was diagnosed with having HIV last year. I was tested at this point and it came back negative.... should I be tested again?
Posted: June 16, 2004
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

I'm a cystic fibrosis paient. My friend has had Cryptococcus Meningits and I want to know if I am at risk from the chest spores that it produces? It's not so much the meningitis - she is HIV positive.
Posted: June 16, 2004
Response: Martin Markowitz, M.D.

I was the receiver during a unprotected sexual encounter. I just recently found out the giver is HIV+. Now am I at any risk? What should I do?
Posted: June 8, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am a long-practicing married transvestite ...with regard to the fellatio, how does the lack of any ejaculation effect the possibility of HIV transmission? And with regard to the anal incident, what would be the effect of very slight penetration without ejaculation on the possibility of HIV transmission?
Posted: June 7, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I recently had unprotected sex with a high risk person in Asia and decided to have the PCR/DNA test at 17 days after exposure.
Posted: June 3, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I work in an ER, as a social worker, so I rarely come into contact with blood. When I got up to wash my hands, I noticed blood on the sink and wall near the sink. It was still wet. So my anxious mind started to wander and I wondered if it had been blood on the door handle...
Posted: June 3, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Four months ago, I performed oral sex on a stripper...13 weeks later, I took a PCR-RNA test for HIV...And also, what's the difference between a PCR-DNA and PCR-RNA test?
Posted: June 1, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Last night I had protected sex with a female. During sex I pulled out and the condom was completely covered in blood. What are chances of getting HIV?
Posted: May 25, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

...doesn't that mean that mouth contact with the skin or breast will cause HIV transmission as white blood cell is known to contain the virus ?
Posted: May 20, 2004
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

Is it possible that if you have not slept with a person for more than two months and they now come to you and tell you that they are HIV positive and found out two weeks ago can you have HIV too!?
Posted: May 14, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

My fear is this, we share a computer and I know that he masturbates at this computer because I sometimes find porn movies left up... I am wondering if it's possible to contract HIV from any semen that may get onto the keyboard or mouse...?
Posted: May 14, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I was over in Amsterdam the other weekend and used a roll of toilet paper which was placed on the floor. I noticed that there were splashes of bloody urine on the underside...
Posted: April 21, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

11 weeks ago my wife and I used a sex toy bought at a store. Within a week I came down with symptoms so I went to my doctor and I tested positive for chlamydia
Posted: April 13, 2004
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I am a sexually active gay man and I normally get tested once a year. I had oral sex and anal sex with a condom a week ago with a guy who's status is unknown.
Posted: April 13, 2004
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

In the week of 8th March 2004, I noticed that I had red rashes on both my palms. Three weeks on, and they are still there - though they are faint at times. Is this another symptom of acute HIV? On 24/3/2004, I did an ELISA test - negative result. The doctor advised for another test in 6 weeks' time and again at 6 months from the exposed date.
Posted: April 3, 2004
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I licked a drop of blood from a little wound in his skin. If he could have been infected with the virus what are the possibilities that I could have [become]infected too?
Posted: March 30, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Two months ago I made a huge mistake. I had sex with a transexual prostitute. We exchanged oral and I received anal from her. We used condoms.
Posted: March 30, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I have a very unusual case. I would like to know if it is possible to be HIV negative via multiple antibody & viral load testing 15 months after a single risky exposure
Posted: March 19, 2004
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

I have had two sexual encounters...Is the AIDS virus active in dry blood/semen ?
Posted: March 19, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

This question regards my son (21 yo) who had been with a prostitute on 2 Feb. 2004. Vaginal sex was safe but he let her to make him oral sex without condom
Posted: March 17, 2004
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

I'm a white 33 yr old female with HIV I was diagnosed in 1/93 I know I got it in 91 though .My t-cell count is 775 and viral undetectable .
Posted: March 17, 2004
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

My husband was diagnosed HIV+ about two years ago. We had been using a condom for all this time and last night it broke.
Posted: March 16, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

If infected with HIV, could one start seeing signs with in a week----possibly enlarged lymps in the neck?
Posted: March 15, 2004
Response: Rodger MacArthur, M.D.

About 9 weeks ago I had a very high risk exposure with a sexual worker in China. The condom broke but I did not find out until about until a few minutes later.
Posted: March 15, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

If a PCR-DNA, PCR-RNA and antibody test are all negative at week 9 after exposure, is this sufficient testing to rule out HIV infection?
Posted: March 11, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

This year is the second year I have HIV...I am 29 years..and none of my family members know about my disease.
Posted: March 11, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I had protected vaginal sex with a female sex worker in Bangkok and towards the end found that the condom had split completely.
Posted: March 10, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I visited an STD clinic about a week ago for a rapid blood test, where they pricked my finger. I am scared about the possibility that someone may have gotten blood on some of the doorknobs in the clinic.
Posted: March 10, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

He scratched his skin with a staple used in his workbook...as I picked it up, I pricked my finger with it. My finger did not bleed but left a tiny red mark. Am I at risk?
Posted: March 10, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I had a PCR DNA done at week 5 came back negative and at day 82 antibody test came back negative. I called the CDC hotline with some questions...
Posted: March 2, 2004
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

I was concerned with some sexual activity I had, and was tested negative for HIV 4-5 months afterwards. This was at an anonymous testing site.
Posted: March 1, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I found out that he had injected drugs twice but I don't know whether he shared needles or not. A couple of weeks ago I went for a HIV test but the nurse told me that my sample had not reacted and the test would have to be carried out again.
Posted: March 1, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Is there any timeline to guide in knowing when I could have been infected...possibly to suggest an infection before the time of my first sexual encounter?
Posted: February 26, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I have had about 4 HIV tests in the last 6 months because I worry so much about contracting HIV.
Posted: February 25, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I dated a women for 8 year's and ended it in Jan 2003, I had an HIV test in April of 2003 which came back negative she was also negative...I started dating another women using protective methods(condoms) and had another test August 2003.
Posted: February 24, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I had unprotected sex with an individual one time, the man pulled out prior to ejaculation. I tested HIV negative at 6 weeks and was also negative for all STDs. What is my risk factor of testing positive for HIV due to the window period?
Posted: February 24, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Is HIV transmitted through saliva and/or oral sex?
Posted: February 24, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Recently I had unprotected sex with a female who could possibly be HIV positive.
Posted: February 24, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I had unprotected sex with a prostitute 2 weeks ago. About a week later I got a headache that has lasted a week now and had cold sweats one evening about 1 week after the sex.
Posted: February 24, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I fingered a girl the other day. Assuming she is HIV positive, what are the risks? We did nothing else.
Posted: February 24, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I read an article about condom breakage on the site. Is the risk higher for the guy in an unprotected vaginal intercourse if he is [on the] bottom?
Posted: February 24, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Given a scenario that I am male and I am bottom during a one -time unprotected vaginal sexual intercourse, whats the risk that I will get infected?
Posted: February 24, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I've had two unprotected heterosexual experiences this year (August 28th and November 2nd). In mid-November my supra-clavicular lymph swelled overnight. I went to see my doctor and we ran blood work on December 1st (inculding an HIV test)
Posted: February 23, 2004
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

I recently had protected anal intercourse with a woman in Prague. Would you describe this then as a high risk encounter and should I get tested?
Posted: February 17, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I would need help with my strong fear of catching HIV. I have had this problem for years, and it's really making my life difficult.
Posted: February 17, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Hello, 12 weeks ago I contracted chlamydia which I was treated for, then at week 3
I started having what I thought was HIV ARS [acute retroviral syndrome]...

Posted: February 17, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I was in a situation where I think I may have gotten pre-cum on the tip of my penis (I'm uncircumcised)...
Posted: February 17, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

While she was top, the condom broke and I didnt notice. I want to know what the risk factor is if she was HIV+.
Posted: February 17, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am working in a small hotel and used to being in contact with semen and sweat stains on bedsheets. I am worried because I had a cut on my hand. Could I be infected by touching that bedsheet?
Posted: February 17, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

If a person is undetectable, does that mean there is a reduced chance of acquiring HIV from that person?
Posted: February 12, 2004
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

Hi I am a bouncer at a bar, recently, a little over a week ago, I broke up a fight in which case one of the men in the fight had a bloody nose...
Posted: February 9, 2004
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

I am a male from a malaria region. I was recently involved in a high risk HIV behaviour. 3 weeks later I had fever, headcahe, vomitting (twice)---all the symptoms associated with MALARIA.
Posted: February 6, 2004
Response: Martin Markowitz, M.D.

I made a stupid mistake and had unprotected sex about one week ago with a protistute from Indoenesia, and I did not know the woman's HIV status. After five minutes I went to the bathroom and I cleaned myself with soap. Do I have a high risk of HIV?
Posted: February 6, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am driving myself crazy about an incidence of unprotected sex I had almost two months ago. Could you please offer me any advice on whether you think I'm at a high risk or low risk or what I could do to relax a bit.
Posted: February 6, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

The thing that really started to concern me was that she then pulled her g-string to the side exposing her vagina while she continued to grind against my penis. (again I was still wearing underwear)...
Posted: February 6, 2004
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

I recently went to a strip club and sucked on a girls nipples. The problem was, there was a tiny bit of clear discharge I tasted. I went to the ER four hours later in Toronto and they would not put me on PEP.
Posted: February 4, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

What are the odds of contracting AIDS/HIV from merely accidently rubbing the bare vagina and penis together in a few seconds?
Posted: February 4, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

My question: this clinical situation can be related to acute HIV infection , or something else? Herpes or HIV?
Posted: January 29, 2004
Response: Rodger MacArthur, M.D.

I work at a school district and recently found out that an employee has been getting blood in the food (via small cuts, etc)...
Posted: January 29, 2004
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

I am 26 yr [old] male, last night I went to a club in San Francisco, and I had oral sex with a transgender person.
Posted: January 26, 2004
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

I recently had unprotected oral sex with another man during which I came in his mouth. There was no other sexual contact or any other exchange of bodily fluids.
Posted: January 23, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I attended a massage parlour and recieved a handjob from a woman who did use lotion.
Posted: January 23, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Sorry to be graphic but: I went to a massage parlour and got a full body rub including the penis.
Posted: January 23, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

If I touched a door handle which may have had a small amount of semen on it and then touched my own penis when going to the toilet, could I get infected with HIV?
Posted: January 23, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I had sex with a female about 4-5 years ago. Come to find out she just passed away..
Posted: January 20, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am a 27 year old female that had unprotected sex and had an Orasure and a PCR test done at 13 weeks after my possible exposure. Can the tests be falsely negative?
Posted: January 19, 2004
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

All of the studies discuss transmission when ejaculation occurs IN the rectum- but I was wondering about ON the anus.
Posted: January 16, 2004
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

I had protected sex with a prostitute and afterwards there was a large blood spot on the bed. Also, the condom was only covering the head of my penis when I pulled out.
Posted: January 16, 2004
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I had contact with an HIV infected person 3 1/2 weeks prior to my tests, unknowingly. Most sites say that antibodies can appear within 3 weeks to 4 months. Are there any statistics or percentages on that?
Posted: January 12, 2004
Response: Peter Shalit, M.D.

I had protected sex with a prostitute about 25 weeks ago and I tested negative (ELISA) at 12, 19 and 23 weeks after my possible exposure. Is it possible to be false negative by the 23rd. week, should I get tested again?
Posted: January 12, 2004
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

I am very worried that I may have become infected through any precum present. How big is this risk?
Posted: January 6, 2004
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

... to my uttermost horror my one year old baby got them and I'm prety sure she must have put them in her mouth and she also had a scratch on her arm. Could my baby become infected with HIV by this? I'm worried because of the possibility of vaginal secretions being on the undies.
Posted: January 6, 2004
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

About 18 months ago, I had unprotected oral sex once...I was tested at 6 weeks (43 days) and the result was negative. I have not been retested. Was the test at 6 weeks reliable? I am terrified of being tested again.
Posted: January 5, 2004
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am a 26 year [old] man. I am extremely underweight and thin. My weight is only 54 kg... I am feeling that I am HIV+ and that's why I am not putting on any more weight.
Posted: January 5, 2004
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

Four months ago I was in a store with my 8 month old daughter. A woman about 45 had a bleeding cut on her arm and bumped into me and my baby. The baby immediately put her hand in her mouth and I'm not sure if she touched the blood or not...
Posted: January 5, 2004
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

How long can an HIV bacteria live on say something like a body jewelry before becoming obsolete?
Posted: December 30, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I was on vacation in Bangkok recently and after a drinking session had sex with a sex-worker. I did use a condom but am not sure if it came off during withdrawal or during the actual sex. I had a slight abrasion on my penis near the join between foreskin and 'helmet'...
Posted: December 30, 2003
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

I went to a low social position club and I went to a private dance with a girl...she told me that the condom broke, and I pulled out, and yes, it was broke, I only take it away from me and threw it.
Posted: December 30, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

Is it possible to have a false positive result for mono due to acute HIV infection?
Posted: December 25, 2003
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

I was wondering if you could get HIV or an STD from someone ejaculating on your food?
Posted: December 18, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Roughly a year ago I attended a stabbing incident as a first aider. There were no gloves at the site thus I minimalised my exposure to the blood flow. Although there was hardly any blood contact, splashes were on my hands and arms.
Posted: December 15, 2003
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

The question is how long does the virus live in the mucus membrane of the penis or vaginal walls?
Posted: December 12, 2003
Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.

Could I be HIV-1 or HIV2 positive?
Posted: December 11, 2003
Response: Dougals Dieterich, M.D.

My question is that after a night of unprotected receptive oral sex without a condom with someone of unknown HIV status and no ejaculation, within 2 weeks I had a sore throat which lasted almost 2 weeks
Posted: December 11, 2003
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

The lady only massaged my arms, legs, hands, and testicles. About 2 days after this, I began to have chills, night sweats...
Posted: December 9, 2003
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

I recently found out a friend of mine is HIV positive. Before he told me, I had performed oral sex on him a few times.
Posted: December 9, 2003
Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.

My husband and I are negative, in a monogamous relationship and don't use drugs. Is it safe to say that we will never have to worry about [HIV]testing unless our behavior changes?
Posted: December 1, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

Hi, I recently had a sexual health screen. The preliminary results for STIs were clean. However the HIV result I was told was Borderline.
Posted: November 25, 2003
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

My sister is HIV [positive] and she still drinks after the children and eats off of their spoons and forks and she also has hepatitis, can we contract this from her?
Posted: November 25, 2003
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

I had a risky exposure by the first week of July with a prostitute I used a condom for intercourse but she perfome oral sex on me without protection
Posted: November 24, 2003
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

I have [been] living with the HIV for 5 years now and I am on Combivir and Stocrin. My recent cd4 count was 595 and viral load less than 50. I have met a man whom I love very much and is aware of my status. He has many questions about the safety of a physical relationship and I don't how to answer all these questions.
Posted: November 24, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I was given a flu shot a week ago. Will the flu shot have any effect on my test results? If you have intercourse at the same time you have a yeast infection, does that put you at greater risk for contracting the HIV?
Posted: November 20, 2003
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

My 10 year old son has a female playmate at school who is HIV+, how do I find information regarding my sons safety in playing with this little girl? Is he at risk?
Posted: November 17, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I recently had intercourse with a man whose HIV status is unknown. I had anal sex with him where I was the "top". I wore a condom, and didn't break throughout the intercourse. Was this a safe act? Can I catch HIV this way?
Posted: November 11, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I had protected vaginal sex with a sex worker....Do you think this would be a reasonable case for me to get the 27-day PeP treatment?
Posted: November 5, 2003
Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.

On September 20, 2003 I had unprotected oral sex with two males and sex (with a condom) with one of them. I actually knew that something was wrong the next day, because I began to feel nausea,and my throat was all red.
Posted: November 3, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I love water sports,and my lover of 8 years has HIV/AIDS..
Posted: October 31, 2003
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

I would just like to know what is the probability of female to female transmission of HIV, if one partner is infected.
Posted: October 28, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

Approximately 6 weeks ago I believe I may have contracted HIV. I had (protected, ie condom) sex with a prostitute in Taiwan. However, she performed oral sex on me with out a condom.
Posted: October 26, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

If I had unprotected sex with a guy, but he did not ejaculate in me, am I still at a high risk for HIV?
Posted: October 26, 2003
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

I made a stupid mistake and had unprotected sex about a year ago and I did not know the woman's HIV status. Since then I've been getting physicals and having CBC tests done.
Posted: October 25, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I performed oral sex for a brief while on a massage therapist. Eight days later, I came down with a sore throat and a day later with nasal congestion. No fevers, but the symptoms lasted two weeks during which time, I stressed a lot.
Posted: October 25, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

She had unprotected sex with him in December (2002) and had her self tested for HIV in February(2003).
Posted: October 20, 2003
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

I had a very high risk encounter at the end of April (unprotected/vaginal/oral). Following the incident, I had 2 yeast infections in May and June. Come July, I had my first outbreak of herpes and was diagnosed with HSV II. Come August, I was dx [diagnosed] with genital warts...
Posted: October 20, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

Does the one in one thousand chance of getting infected by a one time vaginal intercourse refer ONLY to intercourse when the man ejaculates fully inside the woman...
Posted: October 20, 2003
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

A guy sent me a pair of semen stained underwear in a ziplocked plastic baggy....
Posted: October 15, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Hi, my friend just had sex for the first time, unprotected sex, and its the day after and she pooped and when she did white stuff came out with it.
Posted: October 15, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

When I was emptying such a bag, some of the liquid that was inside the bag (beer, orange juice, soda) splashed on my hand. When I had completed emptying the bag, I noticed there was a used condom in the middle of it all....
Posted: October 13, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

I needed some advice...I had sex with a prostitute recently and I am worry if I am infected with HIV.
Posted: October 7, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am an Indian South African female who is concerned about the risk of having acquired HIV from having oral sex performed on me by a male...
Posted: October 6, 2003
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

Well, she had HIV and it is possible she had it when we where dating. I never new about it 'til recently, so I went to my doctor to get tested...
Posted: October 3, 2003
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

My worry comes from the fact that the laboratory where the last Vidas test was run said to me that the P24 values on the Vidas scale that I obtained where: when they first tried it .325 (indeterminate), then .35 (borderline between indeterminate and positive), and then 2 days after, they recalibrated the machine and then got a .39 (positive).
Posted: September 29, 2003
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

What's the male's risk of becoming positive from the female versus the opposite? Also, we want to try to have a baby in the near future. Is this even possible without putting myself in harm's way?
Posted: September 26, 2003
Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.

I was with a guy and we were masturbating each other. He ejaculated while masturbating himself and afterwards, he was fingering my anus...
Posted: September 24, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I had a negative ELISA test 9 and a half weeks after any unprotected sexual activity and recently took the orasure test at 15 weeks past sexual activity and it too was negative, but my question is if my teeth brushing a half hour before the test would make it void?
Posted: September 15, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

I am an internist and frequently confronted with a situation where one spouse is HIV infected. They need advice on how safe it is to have sex if they follow advice on condoms, etc.
Posted: September 8, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

...My boyfriend went to help pick her up, and then noticed her head was bleeding and blood had smeared all over his hands. He has an open wound (a bad blister about 1 cm in length) that was still oozing at the time of the accident.
Posted: September 8, 2003
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

In our soup we found some lumps of clear jelly-like substance, and ever since then I have been worried that it might have been semen. Is it possible to catch HIV in this way, if the semen was infected?
Posted: September 4, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I was exposed to HIV 12 weeks ago through unprotected vaginal sex. I found out 6 weeks ago that the man I was exposed to was HIV+...
Posted: September 4, 2003
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

Here is the question, is it, or is it not true that latex and polyurethane condoms also have pores, it is just that they are SO very tiny that even HIV wouldn't pass through?
Posted: September 4, 2003
Response: Rodger MacArthur, M.D.

If I had sex with a HIV postive man, unprotected, without him cumming inside me on two different occassions what is that chance that I could have become infected?
Posted: August 29, 2003
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

For no reason, lately, one year after we were both tested, I have begun to worry that for some reason the tests might have been inaccurate. Am I worrying needlessly, or should I be retested?
Posted: August 27, 2003
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

I had been having unprotected sex with my boyfriend. He was tested for HIV (as was I) before we became intimate.However, he had had sex with 2 partners, each on a separate one night stand, about 8 weeks prior to our first time.
Posted: August 25, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

My brother is having unprotected sex with a girl who is HIV positive and they also use intravenous drugs.
Posted: August 20, 2003
Response: Martin Markowitz, M.D.

He would often perform oral sex on me, off and on, for hours at a time. I have always tested negative. Today he told me he has been [HIV]positive for two years....
Posted: August 20, 2003
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

Three months ago I met this woman. We, after a period of one month engaged in deep kissing. A week ago my friend informed me that she was HIV positive.
Posted: August 20, 2003
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

...He had gotten a Typhoid fever vaccination in mid-November and now he says he has been mis-diagnosed for the past 6 months because it was a reaction to the vaccination.
Posted: August 20, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

What are the chances that a man could contract HIV through having a bare vagina rubbed against the base underside of the mans penis?
Posted: August 18, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I have fallen for a man who is HIV +ve. His T -cell[count] is 970 and viral load undetectable.
Posted: August 18, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

Being a gay male, I have had friends who are the bottoms (feminine role) who are HIV positive and there boyfriends who are tops (masculine roles). They have been togeather for 10, 15, 5 years with the bottom being HIV positive and the top still negative even though they do not use condoms.
Posted: August 13, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

The other night I met a girl in the bar and brought her back home. We had sex and she informed me after having sex that she was a prostitute.
Posted: August 8, 2003
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

I have recently had vaginal intercourse with a woman I don't know (a prostitute)....
Posted: August 8, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

I want to ask you what are the odds for me to get HIV from an unknown guy who I have just masturbated with? You see I had his semen on my hand and I washed my hand with just little water and I waited till it was completely dry...
Posted: August 6, 2003
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

I am a homosexual male. Suppose I contract AIDS or Syphilis or Hepatitis B through Oral Sex...
Posted: August 4, 2003
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

I am a male who was involved with another male. He found out he was HIV positive 2 years ago July....
Posted: August 4, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

About 8 mos ago I may have been exposed to HIV in Thailand. All my HIV tests have been negative thus far, including several anti-body tests (the last being at 8 mos via Home Access), 3 undectable viral loads using bDNA at 2.5 mos, 3.5 mos and 6 mos. One undectable viral load using PCR DNA at 7 weeks, and one negative P24 antigen at 7 weeks.
Posted: July 22, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

Also, is there any reported cases of initial infection with symptoms and the body then beating it?
Posted: July 11, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

About 15 weeks ago I had a somewhat risky experience - oral sex both receiving and giving with someone who I just met.
Posted: July 11, 2003
Response: Rodger MacArthur, M.D.

What is the likelihood of getting HIV whilst being treated for Leukemia and having several blood transfusions?
Posted: July 8, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

My boyfriend is HIV positive and I am negative. He is now "undetectable". We are unsure when he contracted HIV....
Posted: July 7, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

As a part of game, the girl spit into my mouth, I swallowed her saliva and then I realized that her saliva looked RED when going into my mouth.
Posted: July 7, 2003
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

Hi. Well, I ate a girl out 22 weeks ago and I'm worried that I got HIV. Ive always been worried about getting the disease.
Posted: June 30, 2003
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

Our Question is specific to HIV high-risk exposure and prophylactics during seroconversion period...
Posted: June 23, 2003
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

I had an abortion in an abortion clinic. There were about 25 women in the waiting room with me. All of the women were tested for HIV. ONE of the women tested positive, THE REST WERE ALL NEGATIVE.
Posted: June 18, 2003
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

I got the results of another Eliza test at 6 weeks, I know it is early but I also got small rash on my sternum like a sun burn.
Posted: June 18, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I am very concerned about a possible HIV exposure and tests...
Posted: June 12, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I would like to know what are the chances of contracting HIV if I was to share a bath with an already infected person?
Posted: June 2, 2003
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

Last week, for the first time, I got drunk with friends, picked up a sex-worker, brought her back to the hotel room, and had protected sex 4 times.
Posted: May 22, 2003
Response: Daniel H. Bowers, M.D.

I was in an adult bookstore recentely and I was in a back room with booths to view pornographic material - I am not proud of this. However, after I had finished masturbating, I found blood on my penis and hand....
Posted: May 21, 2003
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

I have just found out that I am HIV+ and I want to know what are the statistics on my boyfriend being HIV+ too.
Posted: May 20, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I need to know if their is any way to transmit or get HIV by playing with female nipples which sometimes tend to release fluid.
Posted: May 19, 2003
Response: Rodger MacAthur, M.D.

I have always believed that you did not have to kill HIV in the body to cure someone. You just have to eliminate it from the body. My idea: A person who has recently been infected undergoes a complete blood transfusion....
Posted: May 14, 2003
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

Over the summer, starting in June, I had 4 heterosexual encounters out of which 2 were unprotected...I am very concerned I may have been infected with HIV. I know I must get tested.
Posted: May 12, 2003
Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.

I had a sexual counter encounter in November of 2001 with a woman. I do not know her status but have been worrying about HIV. I took seven antibody tests within one year of the encounter all of which were negative.
Posted: May 9, 2003
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

After having sex with a sex worker by using a condom, and oral sex without condom, after 3 days I feel my skin more sensitive than normal. My penis itching too....
Posted: May 6, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I had unprotected sex last Monday and found out that my partner was HIV+. How long does it take for some of the possible symptoms to appear?
Posted: May 3, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am a 19 year old teen looking for the correct information and so have approached your site. My question is regarding transmission of HIV/AIDS. I am confused over some contradictory statements...
Posted: May 2, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

I had protected oral & protected sex with a sex worker in Amsterdam (not a street walker). Condom stayed on perfectly, I didn't think anything of it as the condom stayed in place right the way down the shaft, but 5 months later have swollen glands on side on neck, above collar bone on left and side and in both armpits...
Posted: May 2, 2003
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

Is it ok to get tattoos if you have HIV as long as they use disposable needles and gloves?
Posted: April 29, 2003
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

I'm constantly amazed by the slow and often non-existent inclusion of HIV patients as it pertains to emerging health threats. For example, Bush pushed ahead with his smallpox vaccination program, but the literature failed to mention whether the vaccination was safe for those of us who are sero-positive.
Posted: April 29, 2003
Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.

I was recently diagnosed as HIV positive. I was prompted to be tested when my husband received word that he had AIDS (after 2 bouts of pnuemonia this winter). Neither of us (husband or myself) knew he was infected. But, the doctor suspected and asked that he be tested...
Posted: April 29, 2003
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

I am in need of some advice.... Last night I got a handjob from a prostitute.
Posted: April 23, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I had an hetero encouter that wound up with a possible condom tear and a coating of menstrual blood from a woman of unknown serostatus (bar pickup). Seven weeks ago, I had rashes, fatigue, thrush and other problems that could be due to stress...
Posted: April 22, 2003
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

I read recently in a Christian book called "Ten Commandments of Dating" that condoms were not enough protection against HIV/Aids because the porosity size of latex condoms or anyother type of condoms in the market are larger that the virus that spreads AIDS.
Posted: April 21, 2003
Response: Rodger MacArthur, M.D.

...My question is why do they perform a test for both HTLV and HIV? Can people go get tested for HTLV?
Posted: April 17, 2003
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

My partner died of AIDS 10 years ago. I have had at least 6 tests over the years and each has been negative, including one just recently. My new partner is afraid that the virus is lying dormant in my system and will eventually emerge and infect him.
Posted: April 14, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I was over a friend's house and they offered me to use their vibrator, so I did without even thinking about HIV/AIDS. I did not do anything seriously long with it, but I was wondering if I can get infected by the vibrator if the person had a infection? Please help!!!!!
Posted: April 8, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I have strong reason to belive that a man I was with is [HIV] positive. While we were playing around, I got a small drop of his cum in my eye. I am in the process of being tested, but am curious as to the rate of risk envolved, and the likelihood of infection. Any information you could provide would be much appreciated.
Posted: April 3, 2003
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

Please note: The following question is in reference to 2 previously posted Q&As: IF HIV type 3 exists, what distinguishes it from types 1 and 2? Could type 3 be diagnosed as type 1 but have a completely different profile regarding viral progression and/or drug response?
Posted: March 31, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I am currently involved with a guy who is HIV positive, I am HIV negative. We have been together for 3 years now, prior to him was another HIV positive lover whom I was with for 4 years and he died of full blown AIDS. With neither of these two guys have I ever had safe sex.
Posted: March 27, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

I am a nineteen year old male. I recently went to Tijuana Mexico and had too much to drink. We were at a strip bar and a dancer performed a lap dance on me...
Posted: March 26, 2003
Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.

I'm doing research about why homosexual people are at the higher risk to get the HIV virus.
Posted: March 17, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I had sex with a female prostitute and the condom broke near the end. What is probability of me getting infected with the HIV virus?
Posted: March 20, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

How soon can HIV symptoms occur and is it possible to find out if you are infected within 24 hours prior to exposure?
Posted: March 17, 2003
Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.

I had unprotected sex with a man during the period of March (?) to possibly the end of April 2002 or beginning of May. I received an email from this man's "girlfriend" November 8 2002 saying that she just recently tested positive with HIV and Genital warts and that she had been with him for the past 3 years.
Posted: March 14, 2003
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

I was wondering what are the chances of infection if someone has been on medication for approximately 8 years and there is no viral load detected and he/she wants to get pregnant or impregnate someone?
Posted: March 13, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

I got a tatoo in a town in Costa Rica. Before I got it I checked to make sure everything was sterilized. The artist used one time use needles and there was a sterilizing machine above all his tools.
Posted: March 12, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I was wondering if HIV can be spread from urine through broken skin?
Posted: March 3, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

Hi, I had sex unprotected with a woman 3 years ago, I think I may be HIV positive, but I am too scared to have the test. My partner and I have been sexually active in these 3 years, would she not be showing symptoms like myself by now?
Posted: February 27, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

Is it possible to contract HIV/AIDS from having your nose pierced with a nose piercing gun?
Posted: February 27, 2003
Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.

I am a Poz male - CD4 680 and VL 80,000 - not currently on meds and very healthy. My question is how much risk do my partners have when we perform the following activities without protection....
Posted: February 26, 2003
Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.

I had sex with a girl. I don't know her well or her HIV status. As far as I know, I had a low risk (but still a risk) exposure to HIV...
Posted: February 24, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

Over the years, I have attended a few HIV/AIDS awareness sessions for school. With a few facts in mind, I have found myself stumbling over a question that I have not yet been able to find an answer...
Posted: February 24, 2003
Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

On December 16th, I had a homosexual encounter (my first, and after this stress, my last). It was more experimental than anything else...
Posted: February 14, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I've been a little nervous because I was concerned that dried semen could come into contact with family members. I had masturbated in my bed and some had gotten on my sheets....
Posted: February 12, 2003
Response: Mark Katz, M.D.

I'm a 23 year old college student and this past weekend I hooked up with a guy I met at the bar. While we didn't have intercourse at all, I did perform oral sex on him (unprotected).
Posted: January 14, 2003
Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.

I am HIV-positive and very much in love with someone. This person is also positive. And a second issue: he has unprotected sex with other HIV positive guys up till now and wants to have unsafe sex with me too.
Posted: January 14, 2003
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

I am a 29 year old female, 3 months pregnant. My husband and I recently had a friend stay over, I am not 100% sure that he is HIV positive, but I have reason to believe he is. While he was over I suspect that he may have handled my vibrator.
Posted: January 6, 2003
Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.

My last possible exposure to HIV was in the first part of July. Since then, November, I have had a PCR less than 50mls, an ELISA, negative and a Western Blot, negative. But my significant other says that he had become positive in November.
Posted: January 3, 2003
Response: John Barrow, M.D.

I have read alot about odds of getting HIV through one unprotected heterosexual contact but what about protected? What about having sex once w/a condom? What a