It is highly unlikely that you were infected with HIV or anything else during the blood withdrawal. It is the state health department’s policy to use a sterile needle and new blood container for each patient. Additionally, universal precautions, like wearing gloves and disposing of used needles, are used.
It takes approximately 6-8 weeks for the HIV antibodies to be detected in your blood. Therefore, if you were recently infected prior to your test, it could be too soon for the antibodies to reach a level high enough to be detected.
At Family Planning Clinics, we recommend that a person have two HIV tests, especially if he/she has risk factors for this. We advise clients to return for a second HIV test in approximately 3-6 months after the first. In that waiting period, though, it is very important to either abstain from sex or practice safe sex to avoid infection.
Most likely, the visit to the health clinic and your getting sick is a coincidence. Common colds and viruses can cause a wide range of sick symptoms, including sore throat, fatigue, swollen glands, etc. Make sure you are taking good care of yourself. Eating right and getting enough sleep are two important things that can help keep you healthy.
If you have further concerns, please call the state health clinic for more information.
20. January 2012
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