Is it possible to get HIV after unprotected sex, even after taking PEP?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had two sexual encounters nine days back. I had sex with a sex worker unknowingly. My penis is uncircumcised, and my condom broke while having vaginal sex. I also ejaculated inside her. After the session, within 48 hours, I consulted a doctor and started PEP, so what are my chances here of getting HIV? Secondly, I recently got fever five days back, followed by a sore throat which reminded me of that last month. I had sex with another sex worker. There I had protected vaginal sex and also unprotected oral sex. Can this be the symptoms of the sexual act of last month? Please, doctor, I am extremely worried if you understand my situation. Please let me know my status. One more thing to mention is that I took an HIV antibody and hepatitis test one week back. Before starting PEP, everything was nonreactive. Please go through my question and let me know.

Answer 1

Hi,

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As per the history provided, in case of possible exposure to HIV infection, antibody testing would not suffice. Initially, when infected, the viral load with RNA (ribonucleic acid), which is the genetic material of the virus, along with a protein called p24, is released by the virus, which circulates in the blood. They may be released within days to three weeks of possible infection. It is only after this period, till up to three months of possible exposure, that antibodies might be seen, as this is termed the window period, where antibodies only form later in response to the antigen and protein of the virus. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) exposure may cause symptoms like fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, sore throat, abdominal discomfort, enlarged lymph nodes, rashes on the skin, and so on. However, fever, sore throat, and headache may also be caused due to other viral or bacterial infections. However, in order to rule out the presence of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection, I would like to advise you to undergo a p24 antigen test and HIV RNA (human immunodeficiency virus- ribonucleic acid) quantitative test to check for the viral load which if present may be detected by these tests alone. I understand that it may be worrying. But I would like to assure you not to worry as worrying would lower immunity due to stress hormones. As of now, it is important to have a plan of action. Therefore, I would like to advise you to kindly undergo these tests. Kindly follow up with the reports for assessment and further management. Also, kindly consult a physician in person for an examination of the throat and for a physical examination to rule out the presence of rashes and lymph nodes and a general examination to rule out STIs (sexually transmitted infections). In order to Rule out other STIs (sexually transmitted infections), you may even undergo STI (sexually transmitted infections) panel testing apart from the ones specific to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), as I have mentioned above to rule out the presence of other sexually transmitted infections other than HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Kindly stay positive, and do not worry. Take it one step at a time. I will be available for help with further assessment and management. Kindly revert back with the reports. Stay happy, healthy, and safe.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Welcome.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) would be helpful to a great extent in preventing the possibility of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), especially when taken within 72 hours of possible exposure. However, it is advised to take the tests to rule out the possibility of infection.

Answer 4

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Unfortunately, In the absence of the test reports, it would not be appropriate to assess the percentage possibility of infection as STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) may only be diagnosed with the help of specific testing. Therefore, my advice, for now, would be to kindly undergo the tests and please provide the test report for further assessment and management.

Answer 5

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Kindly get back to me at anytime.

Answer 6

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes absolutely. You may get tested at government hosiptals. They are reliable. You may even get tested at any speciality hospitals or laboratories in your locality.

Answer 7

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

As per the history provided, any form of sexual activity or contact with an infected person of any kind where there is contact with body fluids, including vaginal fluids, would be considered as a possible exposure and may cause infection. Having said that, the reports may need to be assessed for further management. Also, the chances of infection may only be considered if your sexual partner has been definitively diagnosed with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Otherwise, you need not worry. Currently, it is a wait-and-watch situation. The reports would be the only way to assess any kind of STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

Answer 8

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Yes absolutely. You are HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) negative. Do not worry.

Answer 9

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Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, they do not affect the result of previous exposures. The presence of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) viral load in the form of p24 proteins and RNA (ribonucleic acid) of viral load is easily detected by the tests you have done. Therefore, in the presence of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), they would have been detected even in the presence of medication. Since they are negative, you do not have to worry as you are not infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

Answer 10

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Since the recent exposure was 12 days back, the same would have been detected through tests as well. However, it is always advised and ideal to undergo a repeat confirmatory test after one month of the last test date to completely rule out the presence of infection. Therefore, my advice would be to undergo an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antibody test after one month. There is no harm in undergoing the test as it would only be helpful to rule out the presence of infection.

In the meanwhile, STI (sexually transmitted infections) panel testing, as I have mentioned earlier, is also advised to rule out the presence of any other possible infections which may be sexually transmitted apart from HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). In case of any symptoms, as mentioned earlier, it is advised to seek an in-person physician consultation with your current doctor for physical examination and early management.

As of now, you do not need to worry, as the probable presence of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) would have been detected with the tests you did. Since they are negative, you may consider yourself as not having HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).