Probability of transmission and when to test
Dear HIV.net
I previously posted a query relating to my PEP treatment and possible symptoms, which was kindly answered. However, I now find myself sick with worry which I am unable to manage. To recap, I have been struggling with alcohol and depression, and had unprotected vaginal sex, once, with a sex worker. The PEP was then started after 40 hours.
I have been taking the PEP for three weeks now, and find myself looking every day at statistics for transmission. I cannot make sense of the information online. Initially I was able to reassure myself with a commonly occurring figure stating that the chances of female to male transmission, for the activity I stated, are 4 in 10,000, or 0.04 %. However, although this is the most common figure I find, it does appear to come from old research. I have also come across other websites stating that the probability can be significantly higher when a sex worker is concerned, and if the viral load is high. For example, I have seen figures as high as 1%, or one particular research paper stating that on average transmission can occur after 3 encounters.
Secondly, I am due my HIV test a fortnight after completing my month long PEP treatment. This also seems to conflict with the information I read online, which states that a test should not be until six weeks after PEP, due to PEP masking the test
Can anybody shine some light please on this information, or offer any advice on how to cope with this crippling worry ?
Thank you
Paul
It's incredible you did a full dose of Prep.aderance of this drugs matters most.The works now turns in for you to stay safe till your next VCT to check out your status.Health is personal.Your safety comes first.Between now and then try and maintain a protective measures i.e use of CD is therefore advocated anytime you having sexual encounter with anyone.For more information checkout at,https://www.facebook.com/drcharlesweru
Regards,
Drcharlesweru3
how are you doing this week? I know you were dealing with so much anxiety. You are right that the information online can conflict and some can find it so overwhelming. What does the doctor who prescribed the PEP say? Here's the info we have from our medical writers:
"HIV testing will often be done when an individual presents for PEP (to ensure the individual wasn’t already HIV-positive prior to the exposure) and will be completed again about 4-6 weeks after the exposure. Repeat testing will often be completed around three to six months after the exposure, to ensure that HIV transmission did not occur." - more here: https://h-i-v.net/pep
Are yous saying you do not have a 4-6 week test? - Liz (Team Member)
Alafia (Peace) I can hear the concern in your writing. You have taken the right steps to protect yourself after your possible exposure. I would suggest you trust the process. I would also suggest that you may not find the online sources reliable. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
Alafia (Peace)
You had a great deal of concern in this post. We hope that after getting tested you know what to do from there. Please know that we are here for you. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
