HIV counseling is an important part of HIV treatment. It provides support to people affected directly and indirectly by this infection. Counseling should also be aimed to educate the patient about ways to prevent HIV transmission, as this can be prevented with behavior change.
All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.
I have a skin allergy causing rashes and weight loss. Why?
Query: Hello doctor,I have a skin allergy, rashes, hives and weight loss. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have noted your concern. I would like to know the duration of your complaints (rashes/ hives). Kindly also upload images of the rashes, if any. Have you taken any treatment already? Regards. Read Full »
My HIV test results came negative at 8 weeks. Am I all clear?
Query: Hello doctor, I would like some advice, please regarding HIV testing. 10 days following a sexual encounter, (protected penetrative sex, unprotected oral sex) I was tested at my local GUM clinic. Although the lady from my encounter tested negative, mine came back as weakly reactive (fourth generation... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have noted your concern. After an indeterminate or weakly positive HIV screening test (usually due to cross-reacting antibodies), the second confirmatory test should be a different yet more specific test, such as a western blot. Western blot is 99.9 % specific, which... Read Full »
The girl used her saliva for lubrication. Can I be HIV positive?
Query: Hello doctor,My question is regarding possible HIV exposure six weeks ago. The condom protected vaginal and oral although she did masturbate me without a condom and used spit for lubrication. I took the fourth generation ELISA at four weeks and five weeks and both were negative. I was on a testoster... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I am pleased to help you with your concern. The risk of transmission of the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) in the scenario you have described is extremely low, even if your sexual partner was an infected carrier. There is very little evidence to support a high t... Read Full »
Is my dry eye syndrome due to HIV or hepatitis, which I acquired from a dirty needle stick injury?
Query: Hello doctor, I had a dirty needle stick in my job a year back, and my last test for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and Hepatitis was 346 days after exposure. Both tests came back negative, and recently about a month ago, I developed dry eye syndrome. I consulted a doctor for this condition, and... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for the query. The 4th generation HIV tests are accurate. If they are negative, as mentioned, it is conclusive. There is no need for further HIV tests provided there is no further risk exposure. Relax. These symptoms are non-specific and are not related to HIV. ... Read Full »
What are the side effects of post-exposure prophylaxis?
Query: Hello doctor, I had unprotected vaginal sex with a woman 17 hours ago, and I am worried that I may have contracted HIV. I say this because I have learned that the woman I had sex with has multiple sexual partners, and I am anxious she may have HIV. I am not in a position to ask her if she has HIV, ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your post. I understand it is a difficult situation. However, because the PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is time-dependent. So, I suggest the first thing you should do would be to start PEP right away, as it may not be helpful after 72 hours. Also, if t... Read Full »
What are the chances of getting HIV after taking post-exposure prophylaxis?
Query: Hello doctor, I have done some stupid things in my life. I had safe sex, but with many different girls. There was never a condom fail and each time I used a new condom. When I did it with the fourth girl, I noticed that the condom tip was broken. After that, I took PEP. On the 26th day post exposure... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concerns. In my opinion, the chances of you getting an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection is 0.001 % or less. I am glad to note that you have used a condom every single time and took all possible precautions. In fact, you... Read Full »
I want to know when HIV can be found in blood. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor, What is the period that the HIV will be detected in blood by using available test methods? Please give minimum and maximum period details. Thanks. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can be detected by some tests as early as four days of exposure if negative conclusive results suggest HIV negative after three months of exposure. I hope this information will help you. Thanks. Read Full »
I tested negative for HIV. Can I be a case of late seroconversion?
Query: Dear doctor, Under a lot of alcohol, I had vaginal intercourse with a lady. I was wasted but I remember that I was protected with a condom. The condom did not break nor leak but maybe was not put perfectly. I did not manage to cum, removed it, and masturbated in a very aggressive way with my bare h... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have noted your concern.Protected sex is safe as far as the risk of HIV is concerned. Spitting on a bare penis is not a risk for HIV as saliva is not infectious. The virus cannot survive in saliva because it contains enzymes inhibitory for the virus. Moreover, a four... Read Full »
Should I retest for HIV after 6 months of exposure?
Query: Hi doctor, I had unprotected sex with a sex worker and after exactly 12 weeks of exposure, I did an HIV 1 and 2 antibodies and HIV 1 and 2 P24 combo test. It came negative. But, some guidelines advise repeating the test after six months. Should I consider my test conclusive or test again after six m... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. HIV antibodies are formed two to six weeks post exposure. Three months is the latest time given. If the antibodies tests are negative after three months of exposure, then it is conclusive that you are free from HIV, provided there is no further risky exposure. You ne... Read Full »
I have a bump on my penis. When to test for HIV?
Query: Hi doctor, From the last one and a half months, I am in crisis. I tried having sex six months back. That day I did not get erections so she gave me oral. I did not perform vaginal sex because of non-erection, and whatever I have tried that was protected. But I had unprotected oral sex where she gave... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have noted your concern and I have viewed the attachments (attachment removed to protect patient identity).Insertive oral sex has a negligible risk of transmission of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Moreover, your HIV screening test (p24 Ag and anti-HIV antibody... Read Full »
Ask a Specialist Now
Get Expert advice/consultation in 3 stepsChat with a Doctor
Starting @ just $59