Hello, I had a terrible incident happen 4 weeks ago. I am a dental hygienist and I was polishing a patients mouth(He had slight bleeding during his cleaning). I felt something may have hit me in the eye (possibly blood, polish, saliva). I was wearing goggles which seems impossible but none the less I am convinced it happenend (I didn't even flinch or feel anything burn or irritate) so I got up calmly and rinsed my eye out- for probably not long enough. I asked the pt. about his HIV status;73 yr old gay male, He said he was healthy. I asked if he would test he said no he was leaving on a trip and didn't want to bother- He swore he was in good health. Anyways, I wrote up the incident. But, I didn't do a baseline blood test, I am pregnant and had just been tested a few weeks before (negative). And just to be sure, I wanted to know if I should do the Prophylaxis so I called the PEP hotline at least 4-5 times and spoke with different dr.s and I went to the ER (that Dr. was cheif in NY ER high Aids community). All the Dr.s told me no need on the prophylaxsis, they all said even if pt was HIV+ it was such a small exposure- very low risk. .03% and drugs are toxic. However, about 1 week later I started having Thrush and Night Sweats. I am pregnant so everyone says its hormones but that just seems too crazy. Then, about 21 days later I had a rapid HIV test- negative. But these symptoms are too crazy and aren't going away (I have been EXTREMELY stressed and insomina). I am SO convinced I have HIV. I Don't even know what to do I would be the first DH to contract HIV especially by this crazy low risk exposure. And since I didn't do a baseline due to my recent negative test and due all the Dr.s opinions...I don't have a workmans comp case. I am a walking mess. I don't even know what to do at this point. my Question is can you explain these symptoms (thrush and night sweats) any other way? do you think the rapid test would have picked up (at 21 days) if I am already having symptoms? my symptoms have not gotten worse or better, if it was HIV would I have worsening symptoms? HELP PLEASE

Hello Freaked-Out Dental Hygienist,

First off if you were wearing goggles, nothing from the patient's mouth could have hit your eye. You may well have felt something a loose eyelash, whatever but it certainly did not come from your client!

Next you called the PEP hotline five times plus went to an ER to inquire about PEP. Exactly what part of "PEP is not indicated" did you have difficulty understanding?

Next, has your "thrush" been diagnosed and documented by a physician? If so, that doctor will perform the standard workup to determine why you have it. The vast majority of cases of thrush have absolutely nothing to do with HIV/AIDS.

As for "night sweats," these most likely are due to your anxiety. They are not HIV related because you do not have HIV. But you certainly are suffering from high anxiety! ("I have been EXREMELY stressed and insomnia . . . I am a walking mess.")

I would consider your "exposure" to be a non-exposure and would not have even recommended HIV testing. However, because of your degree of anxiety, a single three-month HIV test may be helpful psychologically.

"I am SO convinced I have HIV." Please note being "SO convinced" and actually having HIV are two extremely different things. My advice is that you seek psychological counseling to help you cope with your irrational and totally unwarranted fears of being HIV infected. Your obstetrician or your general medical doctor should be able to recommend someone for you to see.

Good luck.

Dr. Bob