Qualified Medical Doctor's Answer To Common Questions

Question: I did a rapid test in my home for detection of HIV. There was a faint line. Is it possible that this was a false positive?  Answer: It appears that the test was not done correctly. You should follow the instructions carefully when you do this test at home. At present, I would recommend a blood test in the lab or hospital. It is possible that this was a false positive. Since this test is very sensitive a possibility of a false positive result is always there. Love yourself!

Question: I am afraid that my barber will use a razor that was previously used on an HIV positive person. Is transmission of HIV possible? Answer: HIV virus is very fragile and will not survive more than a few seconds in the environment. Transmission of infection is most common in a closed environment such as during sexual intercourse. So, the risk of transmission in this scenario is only theoretical and practically transmission via this route is very unlikely. Love yourself!

Question: I am having pimples on my face after I had a risky exposure 1 week back. I am afraid that this means I am infected with HIV. Answer: No, this does not mean HIV infection. HIV rash is more diffuse, occurring all over the body, and is commonly seen on the trunk. It is symmetrical. It appears as small pink dots. Associated symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and enlargement of lymph nodes occurring in multiple locations of the body are seen. So, you don't have the typical appearance of HIV rash, neither is the location typical, and there are no associated symptoms.  You should get tested with HIV tests. Symptoms do not diagnose HIV and only tests are conclusive. Also, you won't have symptoms so soon after infection. Stay nice!

Question: I think that I may have been infected after a risky exposure 5 days back. I am now suffering from a sore throat. Is this due to HIV? Answer: There are two periods after HIV infection when symptoms can be seen. Initially, symptoms can appear after an acute infection and this is known as Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS). These symptoms are the manifestation of the first response of the body to the infection and are similar to flu symptoms. Fatigue, cold, fever, body ache, and sweating. In addition, there may be enlargement of the lymph nodes in different locations of the body. These symptoms will occur 3 to 4 weeks after infection and will last for a week or two.  So, your symptoms after 5 days are unlikely to be due to HIV. You can relax.  Another phase of symptoms occurs when there is full blown AIDS. This is not something that is relevant to you.  You should get tested after a month with an antibody test. Then repeat the test after 3 mon...

Question: Any risk from kissing? Answer: Kissing is a risky activity and you should avoid it with persons of unknown health. Kissing your partner who is healthy is safe. Diseases that can be transmitted by kissing are: Oral herpes Cold Flu Mono Meningitis Gingivitis If there is bleeding with open sores in the mouth then even HIV can rarely be transmitted. Be informed!

Question: I am on PEP after a possible exposure. I did a PCR test after 28 days. It was negative. Is there a need for any further tests? Answer: You must do a 4th generation test after 3 months. There is no other option. Though the PCR test result strongly indicates that you are negative, still this result cannot be taken to be confirmatory.  Your health matters!

Question: Had an exposure 14 days back. Did a PCR on day 10. Should I do any further tests?  Answer: A PCR test done on day 10 is very accurate. However, this test is not confirmatory. You should do a 4th generation test after 6 weeks of exposure to get a confirmatory and conclusive result.  Stay healthy!