Will the Mumps virus or vaccination effect my HIV test results?

[ScaredinCanada471]

Hello,

Almost 12 weeks ago I had an unprotected sexual encounter with a woman who I do not know and who's HIV status is unknown to me. My risk was unprotected vaginal sex with her (I am a male). I was tested at 8 weeks and 2 days after the exposure and my results were negative for all STD's including HIV. I am getting tested again next Monday and that will be at 12 weeks since the exposure. I do have a few questions left though.

1. Recently the Mumps virus I ahve just found out may be going around at the University that I attend. They are reccomending that people get a Mumps vaccination booster shot. I may or may not do this I am very busy lately. If I do get the Mumps vaccination booster shot say 4 or 5 days before my next HIV test will the vaccination affect my HIV test results at all?

2. Say I do not get the Mumps vaccination booster shot and I have already caught the Mumps virus and it is within me will that affect my HIV test results at all on my next HIV test? I have read that some people may not even know that they have caught the Mumps virus.

3. Since I got tested for HIV at 8 weeks and 2 days since the exposure and it was negative is it likely that my results may change at my 12 week post exposure test?

[ScaredinCanada471]

Alright thank you Dr.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You are a forum regular, with two previous questions that imply unreasonable concern about HIV.  That means you probably have read the forum a lot and have seen the many statements that no medications or illnesses have any effect on reliability of timing of HIV test results, with the possible exception of terminal illnesses and potent chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs -- and even those are just theoretical, with few if any known cases.  Mumps vaccine or infection with mumps are no different; they will not affect HIV test results.  The answer to question 3 is no.  (You don't need a 12 week test, by the way.)

I suggest you educate yourself about HIV and stop worrying about it so much, especially given your essentially zero risk sexual lifestyle -- based not only on what you say here, but in your two previous questions on this forum, the last of which (November 2008) apparently concerned the same low risk exposure you mention here.  Please also note the MedHelp policy that sets a limit of 2 questions every 6 months on the moderated forums (see Terms and Conditions).

HHH, MD