Few Americans with HIV have the virus under control

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

I will confess that it took me a while to get tested. My issue wasn't that I didn't want to know the results; I simply was not comfortable asking for the test. I had a hang up about going to a free clinic and didn't want to have the conversation with my physician about getting tested.

 

That changed this fall. My physician changed medical practices, so when I went to his new office, I had to fill out all sorts of paperwork for my insurance coverage. As part of the forms, there were questions asking if I wanted a flu shot, HIV test, and a few other 'preventive' items. After he finished my exam, he hadn't looked at my paperwork yet and asked if I needed my flu shot, and without thinking I simply and, "...and I should have an HIV test." His response, "Great, the nurse will be in shortly."

 

Something so easy and I was afraid to ask.

[jimboivyo]

OK, how does one "know" this?

 

Best regards,

KMEM

 

you ask. you hope they're honest. you use a condom.

 

if sex is your business, honesty is the only policy.

[KMEM]

you ask. you hope they're honest. you use a condom.

 

if sex is your business, honesty is the only policy.

 

If so, then one can only HOPE. Of course, honesty is the only policy but what of those who don't truly know what their situation is? An HIV test is only good for the past and not the present, so no one knows, to include the test taker, what anyone's present situation really is, do they? However, I think I know what you mean and that is basically the "honest" escort does his very best to deliver not only the "goods" but also the "truth". That may or may not be sufficient.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[seeker630]

If so, then one can only HOPE. Of course, honesty is the only policy but what of those who don't truly know what their situation is? An HIV test is only good for the past and not the present, so no one knows, to include the test taker, what anyone's present situation really is, do they? However, I think I know what you mean and that is basically the "honest" escort does his very best to deliver not only the "goods" but also the "truth". That may or may not be sufficient.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

 

If you test negative, only have safe sex after that, and test negative again 3-6 months later, then I think you can say with a good degree of confidence that you're negative. But of course you still need to practice safe sex.

[KMEM]

I have no argument with your conclusions, but, what about a "meeting" tonight with someone who has NOT gone through the regimen that you describe? Or, someone who is part way through that regimen? I have to assume that one never knows not only "for sure" but even as there is much hope for a negative result. Should we have sex on a "hopeful" basis? I am not suggesting anything other than decide for one's self.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[seeker630]

I have no argument with your conclusions, but, what about a "meeting" tonight with someone who has NOT gone through the regimen that you describe? Or, someone who is part way through that regimen? I have to assume that one never knows not only "for sure" but even as there is much hope for a negative result. Should we have sex on a "hopeful" basis? I am not suggesting anything other than decide for one's self.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

 

My point was that I think there are circumstances in which you can sure of your own status. That doesn't hold true for the status of others unless you truly know they are in the same circumstances - and generally you can't know this. So, as I said, you should take precautions.

[KMEM]

When can one "truly" know about one's own status? 3-6 months after one's last test with NO sex during that interval? I submit there are NO guarantees, only some less risky practices.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[seeker630]

When can one "truly" know about one's own status? 3-6 months after one's last test with NO sex during that interval? I submit there are NO guarantees, only some less risky practices.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

 

Ok - you're saying there's no such thing as truly safe sex. So, we can agree to disagree.