Exposed vs Infected - HIV Prevention Message Board

Jakesc · 05-13-2003, 06:24 PM

Is there a difference between being exposed to HIV and being infected? Is it possible for an immune system to fight off HIV? My first "non-negative" experience was repeatedly positive Elisa prior to the confirmatory Western Blot that showed Indeterminant. This is why I'm nervous. I've looked up a lot of data on the Internet and found that their are a number of reasons why an Elisa can turn up as "false positive". In fact, one study showed that all people would have a Positive Elisa if the serum (blood) was not diluted correctly (400:1, I think it was). However, I've never experienced anything but negative in the past and it was alarming to say the least. I'm encouraged by 3 negative tests since then (2 "Home Access tests that I took and the follow up from my doctor). One problem is that I haven't passed my 90 days. The last test was taken at about 55 days and I still have about 2 weeks until 90 days are up. Is there something about 90 days? A lot of what I've seen says that antibodies develope between 4-8 weeks.

Temperamental · 05-14-2003, 08:13 AM

Jake, exposed mean you had sexual contact with somebody that had HIV. Do you know that for sure? Exposure of course does not mean you will be infected. HIV is not an easy virus to get and if everybody who was "exposed" to the virus got infected, there would be alot more people that have the virus. Infection means you have been given the virus and will eventually show positive on an HIV test. So far this does not appear to be the case with you. You have tested negative twice so far. Do NOT bother with a western blot unless you have a positive ELISA. What exactly was your exposure? If you are testing negative at 55 days then test one last time at 90, very good chance you are not infected with the virus.

Jakesc · 05-15-2003, 01:29 PM

Thanks for the info. I'm not sure if I was exposed or not due to some language barriers. There has been mixed communication on the subject. One time she would say that she does not have HIV and another she will say she is getting treatment (but not really say for what). I have tested negative for all other STD's and tested negative (after my first indeterminant, positive Elisa and indeterminant Western blot) 3 times (twice through an FDA approved at home test) and the third through my doctor at day 55. I feel more confident about the results though I'm not 100%. The doctor said to wait another 6 months until the next follow up test but I don't have that much time. I'm married and I don't want to risk passing anything along. I travel a lot and have had chronic prostatitis which has served as a good excuse but those days are numbered. Any ideas?

I can definately say that this has changed my outlook and will not risk this ever again. The first 2 weeks after the indeterminant result, I slept maybe a total of 12 hours (1 hour at a time). I'm not showing many symptoms (some stuffiness maybe allergies, occaisional headache maybe stress, and a slightly enlarged lymphnode on my neck though not too unusual, and some night sweats mainly around the t-shirt collar which could be a change in weather) but not much else. Still, I have about 2 weeks until 90 days is up if it was the first day, though not sure since we spent about a week together, it could have been anytime during that week, if at all...

Temperamental · 05-15-2003, 01:48 PM

What exactly was your exposure? Did you have unprotected sexual intercourse?

Test 1 last time at around Day 90. In the meantime you are going to have to avoid unprotected sexual contact with your wife. There is no way around it unless you want to confess to what you did to her.

Don't pay too much attention to the symptoms they can be caused by stress too.

Hang in there and touch base with us until you know for sure what is going on.

Jakesc · 05-15-2003, 01:56 PM

I had protected and unprotected sex (vaginal) with a "bar lady". As mentioned, we have been in contact (phone and e-mail) since then. She has even sent me some test results showing a -ve but it appeared to be for Hepititas B. Would you say that the 90 day test be sufficient. What is so magical about the 90 days? I've seen a lot of data that says that antibodies show up within 4-6 weeks.