Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
Ask the Experts about Mixed-HIV-Status Couples
Incremental Risk??
Aug 21, 2000
I just discovered your site! Thanks so much.....
My boyfriend is positive and I am negative. (woman of 48yrs). I was told today of an incremental risk factor of 1% a year of contacting the virus.....ie., if I was with him for 10 years, my risk would be 10%. I guess it was a hemophiliac study?? Have you heard of this? It really freaked me out and I am worried.....
Also, does risk decrease with advancing age? We are 10 years apart (he 10 years younger).
I so appreciate your response.
God bless you for your work:)
Response from Dr. Remien
I am not sure exactly which statistics you are referring to, but where that kind of estimate probably comes from is the fact that, with time there is always an increased risk of HIV transmission occurring, in the context of risk. In other words, the more opportunity for transmission (exposure to the virus), the greater the chance it will occur. I am not aware of there being increased risk for transmission dependent on age. The bottom line: the more times one engages in behavior that carries the risk of HIV transmission, the more likely it will actually occur.
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
