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Question
Doctor, I went in for an HIV test two weeks ago. The results are non-reactive. However, now I am worried because exactly 2 weeks later, I have an itchy throat which is now a cough. Also had mild fever for a day. Could these be ARS symptoms? What is the risk of getting infected if the clinic that I went to reused a needle? I know that this does not happen on purpose but what if a used needle was used by accident? I've been reading some of the posts on this forum and I've seen responses that say that sharing needles is a risk for getting infected. Again, I know that this does not happen on purpose but what if it happens by accident? Also, if there's no risk for getting infected this way, then why are medical practitioners advised to get PEP in case of a needlestick injury? Please answer my questions. I will really appreciate it.
What was your risk, oral, anal or vaginal? Clinics don't infect patients so you need to move on from your abnormal idea that you have detected disease transmission possibilities that the clinics are getting away with.
6 Comments
I did not say that the clinic is infecting patients and getting away with disease transmission. That's why I said in my post that I know this does not happen on purpose but what if it happens by accident. That's my question.
And my risk was vaginal more than 2 months ago.
Clinics don't accidentally infect people either. It would be very expensive dealing with lawsuits, so it is easier for them to use trained people and equipment that can't infect.
A duo is conclusive at 4 weeks and any other at 12 so it depends on what was used to test you.
Only non-sexual risk for HIV is sharing hollow needles that you use to inject with, so you had no risk because getting a clinic blood draw is a long ways from that. You misinterpreted the info on this site regarding this because no one says a clinic can give you HIV.
We rely on the opinion of expert doctors and do not pay attention to other sites, otherwise we will be arguing all day because some sites use theoretical risks that have never manifested in real life.
A duo is conclusive at 4 weeks and any other at 12 so it depends on what was used to test you.
Only non-sexual risk for HIV is sharing hollow needles that you use to inject with, so you had no risk because getting a clinic blood draw is a long ways from that. You misinterpreted the info on this site regarding this because no one says a clinic can give you HIV.
We rely on the opinion of expert doctors and do not pay attention to other sites, otherwise we will be arguing all day because some sites use theoretical risks that have never manifested in real life.
So, you're saying that this itchy throat, cough, and mild fever that developed 2 weeks after that test are not ARS symptoms caused by that test?
HIV tests look for antigens and antibodies. They do not contain any HIV. It is impossible to be infected by a test.
You interact with others who cough on your lips and door knobs so coughs are to be expected at any time, not just 2 weeks after a blood test.
You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
