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Fluctuating HIV index test values & HIV risk in barbershops
Hello everyone. I'm new to this forum, let me ask a few things according to the title of my question because this has been bothering me quite a lot lately:
1. Why is the index value on the HIV test never 0 & always fluctuating? What factors cause this? Can someone help me provide a scientific explanation regarding this?
2. On November 4, 2023, I went to the barber to cut my hair. When the barber was shaving my mustache, at first glance I felt like a razor was scratching my upper lip, then I reflexively immediately touched my upper lip to see if there was any blood & as far as I remember there was no blood. Then the barber washed my upper lip after shaving my mustache using a towel/tissue (I can't remember if he used a towel/tissue but I didn't feel any stinging when the barber washed my upper lip. I assume there were scratches, I will definitely feel sore). After everything was finished, I checked my lips in front of the mirror & I didn't see any scratches (my assumption was that if there were scratches the marks would definitely be visible). I was the first customer that day & I saw it quite clearly he changed the razor (but then after I went home I became doubtful whether he changed the razor or not). I assume that the barber forgot to replace the razor with a new one, then there was HIV+ blood left on the razor from the customer at the previous day then touched the scratch on my upper lip, what is the risk of HIV transmission from this incident?
Thank you for reading & any response would be greatly appreciated
1. Why is the index value on the HIV test never 0 & always fluctuating? What factors cause this? Can someone help me provide a scientific explanation regarding this?
2. On November 4, 2023, I went to the barber to cut my hair. When the barber was shaving my mustache, at first glance I felt like a razor was scratching my upper lip, then I reflexively immediately touched my upper lip to see if there was any blood & as far as I remember there was no blood. Then the barber washed my upper lip after shaving my mustache using a towel/tissue (I can't remember if he used a towel/tissue but I didn't feel any stinging when the barber washed my upper lip. I assume there were scratches, I will definitely feel sore). After everything was finished, I checked my lips in front of the mirror & I didn't see any scratches (my assumption was that if there were scratches the marks would definitely be visible). I was the first customer that day & I saw it quite clearly he changed the razor (but then after I went home I became doubtful whether he changed the razor or not). I assume that the barber forgot to replace the razor with a new one, then there was HIV+ blood left on the razor from the customer at the previous day then touched the scratch on my upper lip, what is the risk of HIV transmission from this incident?
Thank you for reading & any response would be greatly appreciated
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So, let's get to the important part of your question. That you had NO risk The risks for HIV are something we give over and over here and are PINNED to the top. Memorize them. We can't solve anxiety problems tough when we give the facts and people still question and what if things to death. Risks for HIV transmission . . . Having unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse or sharing IV needles to INJECT drugs. Objects that have blood on them do NOT transmit the virus. Air inactivates the virus (also, saliva does which you should also memorize so you don't have to keep asking or questioning). You didn't nor will you EVER get HIV from a razor. NOT a risk. Zero risk.
And no risk means your other part of the question is unnecessary. You don't need to test. You don't need to worry about tests. You don't need to overthink and ruminate about tests as this is all a major sign of anxiety. Index values on all tests fluctuate. It's just part of the testing process.
You need to move on from such worries and if you can't? Seek psychological help. Take care
And no risk means your other part of the question is unnecessary. You don't need to test. You don't need to worry about tests. You don't need to overthink and ruminate about tests as this is all a major sign of anxiety. Index values on all tests fluctuate. It's just part of the testing process.
You need to move on from such worries and if you can't? Seek psychological help. Take care
3 Comments
Hi GuitarRox thank you for your response...
To be honest, on October 31 2023, I had an HIV test for HIV risk exposure which I received 90 days before, is oral sex protected with a condom (mouth to penis, by a female therapist) with non-reactive results. At this point I believe that I was not exposed to HIV from this incident. Then on November 4 2023, I got a haircut at my regular barber (as in my previous story above). What I want to ask is the following:
1. On November 17 2023, an itchy feeling appeared on my stomach which I then scratched & then it caused something like a red rash but only 1 point & also made my skin peel off. Could the rash be caused by what happened when I got my hair cut on November 4 2023? I was afraid that the rash was a symptom of HIV due to the incident at the barbershop
I hope you are willing to answer my question
To be honest, on October 31 2023, I had an HIV test for HIV risk exposure which I received 90 days before, is oral sex protected with a condom (mouth to penis, by a female therapist) with non-reactive results. At this point I believe that I was not exposed to HIV from this incident. Then on November 4 2023, I got a haircut at my regular barber (as in my previous story above). What I want to ask is the following:
1. On November 17 2023, an itchy feeling appeared on my stomach which I then scratched & then it caused something like a red rash but only 1 point & also made my skin peel off. Could the rash be caused by what happened when I got my hair cut on November 4 2023? I was afraid that the rash was a symptom of HIV due to the incident at the barbershop
I hope you are willing to answer my question
you were answered though so am not sure why you are continuing to suggest HIV. You had no risk. You never needed to test. You couldn't have HIV from what you you describe. IMPOSSIBLE. Let that sink in.
And remember, you are ignoring the ACTUAL risks given to you.
1. unprotected vaginal sex.
2. unprotected anal se.
3. Sharing IV needles to INJECT into your veins drugs to get high.
Air and saliva inactivate the virus. So ask yourself, why am I STILL asking? Anxiety. The answer won't change here. You're going to have to understand facts, accept them and work on irrational anxiety.
And remember, you are ignoring the ACTUAL risks given to you.
1. unprotected vaginal sex.
2. unprotected anal se.
3. Sharing IV needles to INJECT into your veins drugs to get high.
Air and saliva inactivate the virus. So ask yourself, why am I STILL asking? Anxiety. The answer won't change here. You're going to have to understand facts, accept them and work on irrational anxiety.
Why is my question missing? Is there something wrong with my question?
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