How long before you get sick?
Hi all. I'm a 33 year old gay male. At the age of 17 I had an unprotected sexual encounter with a guy. About 3 months later I got a strange flu like illness which went away after 1 week. I got on with my life but have always had a fear of contracting Hiv even though I didn't have any other encounters after this one out of fear. Other than some fatigue, I currently have no other symptoms. I finally plucked up the courage to recently do two home hiv tests which were negative. I did this because I'm considering dating.
Could I still have Hiv after that exposure 16 years ago or would home testing kits be accurate? I'm extremely fearful about going to a hiv clinic to get a formal test. Thank you all for your advice!
Hi
. It is commendable that you want to be sure of your status before dating. I want to share with you this article from the CDC on the home test kits, which notes the rates of false negatives, which is quite low: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-about-home-hiv-testing. In addition, you took two tests that came back negative which greatly increases the likelihood that this is the correct result. That said, if you still have concerns, I want to share with you this article on the types of tests, in case you can find a way to get tested that you are more comfortable with: https://h-i-v.net/test-types. Hope this information is helpful. Best, Richard (Team Member) 
Alafia (Peace)
I understand where your concern is coming from. Before getting tested for the first time a great deal of anxiety can rise. Please know it is much better to know your status so you can seek care and treatment than to go on not knowing. You have been taking care of yourself this whole time, keep during it and get tested. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member) Alafia (Peace)
I have noticed you have not returned nor responded to the answers which were provided to your question. Is everything alright with you? Please let us know how we can continue to support you. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
