Hi all,

I had a fling (sex) with a co-worker about 3 years ago. I hadn't heard from him since, and just found out today that he tested positive for HIV. He told me that both of the girlfriends he has had since our encounter (this does not include one night stands) have tested negative. Since it was over three years ago, and these girls came after me, should I be worried?

OK here’s the deal,

There are a number of options open to you but what is of paramount importance if you are concerned about your HIV status is that you establish exactly what it is.

The simplest option is to simply approach you old boyfriend and ask him whether he was HIV positive when you were together. From what you say it seems he has been recently diagnosed and as such it is very likely he knows exactly the circumstances behind his infection. It is also very likely he knows precisely when he was infected. If he was not HIV positive until after your relationship with him, then it stands to reason that you are also not HIV positive.

If for whatever reason you are not too keen on doing this, or for some reason he will not tell you,or you simply don’t trust him, then the other option is to go for a blood test yourself.

It is clear that his last two girlfriends did one or both of these things, otherwise they would not know for certain their HIV status

For your own peace of mind, you really should find out your HIV status, one way or the other. Please , don’t worry too much, the odds are stacked in your favor.

Take care Kevin

Thanks Kevin,

In the short conversation we had last night, I asked him if he knew when he got it and he said "No idea," but then said, "But I'm not worried about you, I just wanted you to know." This makes me think he does know when he got it and is just not telling me. Apparently, he has been with a lot of women since me, but I really wouldn't know because we no longer live in the same town. I will definitely get tested. I am married now, and have only slept with my hubby and this guy, so I definitely want to find out my status.

A great approach and completely the correct one.

Good luck with your blood test, please believe me the odds are stacked greatly in your favor. Take care of yourself, enjoy your life and if you get a minute let us know the outcome.

Take care Kevin

question: isn't the saliva test as accurate as the blood one?

question: isn't the saliva test as accurate as the blood one?

yes from what i've been told it is, but they will use the blood test to confirm or back up the saliva test.

Just wanted to let you all know that I went for the blood test this morning. My results should be back on Friday, but if not then definitely Monday. I'm praying for the best!!

Quick question: Due to my surgery, I have had blood work done in June of '06 and then again this past month. All my blood work is completely normal. In fact, the doctor said my results were "textbook...absolutely perfect." Even though I know they may or may not have tested for HIV, would my blood work have had any indication of the virus, since it's been 3 years since the potential exposure? Just wasn't sure if my white blood cells would've been off or anything... Thanks!

most likely you were not tested for hiv, they would make you sign a release and tell you ahead of time. good luck with your results,i hope they come out ok for you!