Question
I have been worried about HIV infection for 26 years – do I have HIV?
10 November 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission.
I am very impressed with the information and responses to questions on this site. In particular, the large amount of people seeking reassurance after having negative HIV test results.
I believe that I put my risk performing oral sex on a man in 1984. Some 26 years later, I am still requesting HIV tests as a result of this incident – I have had too many to count now and the results have always been negative. In other area’s of my life I am a rational human being, but from time to time, I begin to obsess over the fact that I have 2 enlarged (submandibular salivary ?) glands under my jaw and connect this to the incident in 1984. I actually noticed them in 1986 so they have been like this for at least 24 years. This is made worse as I have noticed similar enlargement on people I know to be HIV positive over the years.
During my more rational moments (!), I accept that the chances of my having HIV are at the very least, unlikely. Unfortunately, there are other times when I am convinced that I am about to make medical science and that the virus has somehow avoided the test process.
Perhaps it may be of some support to the people who read this and who are worried, that I have now spanned all 4 generations of HIV tests, and arrived at a point where I have personally extended the recommended window period by 25 years and 9 months ! Unfortunately, as I hit 50 years old, I am also aware that I have spent around half my life having concerns over this issue.
Sorry this is so lengthy, your comments at i-Base would be appreciated and please keep up the good work!
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Firstly, the risk of getting HIV through oral sex is very low. For more information please follow this link to a similar question.
Secondly, if you have had so many negative HIV tests in the last 24 years then you really do not have HIV.
The enlarged glands are not necessarily HIV-related and you should speak to your GP about them so that they can tell you what is causing them and put your mind at rest. Sometimes people get swollen lymph nodes in their neck which is caused by an infection but not necessarily HIV itself. People who are HIV positive and have become sick in the past before starting treatment often have swollen lymph nodes but anyone can get them, positive or negative so this is not an indicator of HIV.
It sounds as if you have spent too long worrying about this one encounter 26 years ago. Have you thought about talking to a counsellor about your anxieties and why it is that you are so worried about having HIV? You may find that getting to the root cause of your anxiety helps to alleviate some of the stress. Best wishes.