Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. My husband is bi-sexual and one of his "partners" has been diagnosed with HIV. Should I be tested for the disease right away? He says there was not any true contact, but...
Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Regional HIV/AIDS Physician Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente of Southern California
The broadest way to answer your question is to say that while over 40% of American adults have been tested for HIV at some time in their lives (per the Centers for Disease Control), it would be reasonable for you to do this. The chance of this partner having passed the virus on to your husband--and then him to you--is probably very very small, although not impossible. Thus, I would recommend you consider doing so, but not with the angst of someone who expects a positive result. It might also be a good idea for you and your husband to achieve some clarity (perhaps you already have it) on what sexual acts he engages in with other people, so as to minimize risk to himself, and ultimately to you. If a condom is used for intercourse, the risk of HIV is quite small.
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