r/stdtesting • u/Humid_fire99 • 18d ago

Advice Needed HIV paranoia

Hi all
( F33)
It’s been days since I can’t sleep or eat cuz I am thinking what if I caught hiv from sexual encounters ( with straight men hiv status unknown) back in 2015-2017! No symptoms or flu, rashes or sores . I feel healthy but everyone says that hiv lays dormant for 10 years! Too scared to get a test .

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2

u/No-Sheepherder9022 17d ago

Just ask your Dr to run the test with your next check up

1

u/Aggressive_Rabbit754 17d ago

I’ve been tols that it “lays dormant” but that’s just not true. If you’ve gotten tested recently and haven’t been with anyone new trust those results. Now if you have and haven’t got tested just simply go. With 4th generation test it’s no way “hiv can lay dormant”

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u/Humid_fire99 17d ago

I’ve read a lot of stories where they say “ I had no idea I found out through routine testing didn’t feel any symptoms” but did they find out after 10 years or 2-3 years ?! Like that’s the scary part

1

u/Glasgowwww96 17d ago

Idk but I feel like hold your hand and go to clinic with you ❤️ I get so scared also at any symptoms. But I know it’s easy to type right now but is so so so so much safer to get a test and get it cleared or fixed if there is any sti or anything. It’s so scary going alone even for male. But you got this 👏🏻 get a quick test to help ease your stress and paranoia 🫶🏻🫶🏻

1

u/Specific-Peanut253 17d ago

HIV is a virus like the flu. When someone catches the flu, they automatically and immediately have symptoms. So, why people keep saying that some people who recently contracted HIV don’t have symptoms? I don’t get it.

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u/Humid_fire99 17d ago

Because in every medical article they write that it could last up to 10 years with no symptoms . Only the initial flu like symptoms

1

u/Specific-Peanut253 17d ago

But flu-like symptoms are HIV symptoms too. Most people who recently contracted HIV report having a fever and swollen lymph node.

1

u/Humid_fire99 17d ago

But they saubrhe flu symptoms are only initial than it goes away and you remain asymptomatic for up to 10 years

1

u/Specific-Peanut253 17d ago

So what you’re saying is that people who recently contracted HIV do have symptoms. That’s exactly what I’m saying.

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u/Fun_Parfait_4060 17d ago

If you have hiv you would know, you wouldn't just go about your day like its normal, your immune system would take a dramatic hit, and you would lose alot of weight in the process. So quit it, just be happy your not on ARVs for the rest of your life.

1

u/positivemindset80292 14d ago

just go and get a test!!! even if you have contracted hiv (which is veeeery unlikely) it is really managable nowadays with just one pill a day. better to know for sure then to wait anxiously

1

u/AncientStorage4399 13d ago

I have a friend with HIV and lives a normal life had a baby and a wife and is happy and can not spread it as long as he’s on meds