27-Year-Old Female PhD Diagnosed with HIV: The Transmission Method Is Shockingly Unacceptable!

[ Back to News Page ] Dated: 15-Oct-2024

Incident Summary

A 27-year-old female PhD student was diagnosed with HIV, and the news devastated her. She told the doctor that she was particularly cautious about hygiene and underwent annual check-ups, all of which had been fine until now. After her recent check-up, she received a call from the disease control center informing her of her HIV-positive status.

When the PhD student received this news, she immediately told the disease control staff, “There must be a mistake; I haven’t had any opportunity to be infected.” The staff advised her to go to the hospital for further testing.

With a mix of emotions, she went to the hospital for additional tests, which confirmed that she was indeed an HIV carrier. She could not believe it and assured the doctor that she could not possibly have contracted the disease. She was aware that HIV is transmitted through blood, mother-to-child transmission, and sexual contact.

She told the doctor that she had never donated blood and had been single for all 27 years of her life, with no sexual activity. Mother-to-child transmission was also impossible. The doctor asked if she had undergone any surgeries, including cosmetic procedures. She said she hadn’t, not even eyebrow tattooing. Suddenly, she asked the doctor if teeth cleaning counted.

The doctor replied, “Yes, it does. Where did you have your teeth cleaned?” She explained that she had gone to a private clinic because the large hospitals were too crowded with long registration and waiting times. The private clinic was more convenient and less time-consuming.

However, the doctor informed her that it was likely she had contracted the infection during the teeth cleaning at the private clinic.

In large hospitals, even for minor procedures like tooth extractions or hemorrhoid surgeries, or teeth cleaning, which are all invasive procedures, patients are required to undergo blood tests for coagulation and screening for infectious diseases such as syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis before proceeding.

This thorough process is in place to protect patients and to prevent cross-infection. Each patient must undergo these tests to ensure that any necessary equipment is properly sterilized to prevent transmission.

Previously, there was a case of a female PhD student contracting HIV unknowingly, and more recently, a female university student contracted HIV from a black exchange student who was aware of his HIV status but still proceeded with unprotected sexual activity.

Emergency Measures After High-Risk Sexual Behavior or Assault by an HIV-Positive Person

Spread the Word! If you experience high-risk sexual behavior or are assaulted by an HIV-positive person, you can take emergency measures within 72 hours! Please share this information with everyone!

HIV has preventative medications! After exposure to HIV, taking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 2 hours is most effective, with a success rate of over 99%. The success rate begins to decline over time, but there is still a high chance of success within 72 hours, known as the "golden 72 hours."

Who Should Take Preventative Medications?
Preventative medications should be used only by individuals with a confirmed exposure history. These medications can cause some adverse reactions, so they should not be taken casually. Individuals who need to consider these medications include:

Those who have had unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive or suspected HIV-positive person.
Individuals whose open wounds or mucous membranes have come into contact with HIV-positive blood.
Individuals who have been punctured by needles contaminated with HIV-positive blood.

How Long Should Preventative Medications Be Taken?
The complete course of preventative medication generally lasts 28 days. Stopping the medication early can affect its effectiveness and may even lead to drug resistance. Therefore, if you decide to take preventative medications, it is crucial to strictly follow medical advice, take the medication on schedule, and stay in regular contact with your doctor.

Do Preventative Medications Have Side Effects?
Yes, they do. In addition to common adverse effects such as upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, and nausea, preventative medications can also put strain on the liver and kidneys. Therefore, only those with a clear exposure history should consider taking these medications. It is essential to seek immediate help from an infectious disease hospital or a disease control center and follow the guidance of a professional doctor.

Who Should Test for HIV?

HIV testing is important for several groups of people to ensure early detection, effective management, and prevention of HIV transmission. The main reasons for testing include:

Individuals at High Risk: People who engage in high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex with multiple partners, those who have sex with partners whose HIV status is unknown, or those who inject drugs and share needles, should get tested regularly. Their higher risk of exposure makes regular testing crucial for early detection and intervention.
Individuals with Known Exposure: If someone has had a recent high-risk exposure, such as unprotected sex with an HIV-positive person or a needle-stick injury, they should get tested as soon as possible. Early testing following potential exposure is essential for prompt action and to determine the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Pregnant Women: Routine HIV testing is recommended for all pregnant women during prenatal care. This helps prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and ensures that appropriate interventions can be made to protect the baby and the mother.
Individuals Experiencing Symptoms: People who have symptoms suggestive of HIV, such as prolonged fever, unexplained weight loss, or swollen lymph nodes, should get tested. These symptoms might indicate HIV infection, and early diagnosis is important for effective treatment.
People Entering New Sexual Relationships: Individuals starting new sexual relationships, especially if their partner’s HIV status is unknown, should consider testing. This helps establish a clear understanding of their HIV status and enables informed decisions about safe sex practices.
Routine Testing for General Health: Regular HIV testing is recommended for everyone, especially in areas with higher HIV prevalence or for those who are sexually active, to ensure ongoing health and early detection.

If you fall into any of these categories or have related concerns, using an HIV test kit can be a practical and accessible option for initial testing. However, it's important to follow up with a healthcare provider for confirmatory testing and further guidance.

Using a Home Test Kit

iCare HIV test kits

Rapid Results: Provides results in just 5 minutes.
Exceptional Accuracy: 99.9% accuracy compared to the EIA method.
High Sensitivity: 99.9% sensitivity.
High Specificity: 99.9% specificity.
User-Friendly: Designed for ease of use with no medical expertise required.
Simple Procedure: Straightforward instructions for ease of use.
Easy Interpretation: Results are simple to understand and interpret.

Private HIV Test: 100% Discreet and Convenient Home Testing
iCare HIV test kit- buy now