Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva
HIV/AIDS specialist
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I had my preliminary HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) test as negative before three months. I had gone for a body massage in a local parlor with no active penetration from my side. But when I came home, I had a feeling that the genitals had touched. I had started PEP(Post-exposure Prophylaxis) prophylactically 40 hours post-exposure on Truvada and Isentress. I had gone to a local sexologist, he changed my combination to Darunavir, boosted Ritonavir, and Truvada for another 28 days. Post completion of PEP, I just had an episode of running nose, which resolved on antiallergy on two days. I am confused. I had a couple of second opinions. Most of them are saying to complete the course and forget it as you are not at risk of HIV. Few people are telling me that I am having immune reactions because of the common cold.
Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.
The scenario which you mentioned, did not reflect any exchange of body fluids, therefore, it does not come into potential risk of acquisition of HIV. PEP (Post exposure prophylaxis) is not recommended in case, if there is no sexual exposure. I am still unclear whether you completed PEP or still taking, if so, then for how many days, it has been taken. Running nose could be due to various reasons and does not necessarily mean HIV.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I have completed pep and the running nose started right after finishing it.
Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com.
So what is your exact question?
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
My question is, do I have a risk of HIV? Is my running nose any sign of infection which got cured by taking one-day antiallergic medication? Is anything that needs to be done in my case? Is there any risk if there was slight penetration while touching or massaging? (Again mentioning no proper intercourse). I have taken pep for 28 days.
Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com.
As I have already mentioned, if there is no direct exchange in sexual contact, there is no risk of acquiring HIV. Although, this contact could be a source for other STIs which can be acquired through casual contact. Running nose could be an allergic manifestation and could be due to various reasons. In fact, there are no specific symptoms that can diagnose HIV. I suggest you get tested for HIV and other STIs (sexually transmitted infection) as per the recommendations if there is any doubt about the exposure. Your case history is anyways not reflecting any potential risk of HIV. Testing will allay your stress.
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HIV/AIDS specialist
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