Can Hashimoto’s affect PEP or HIV test accuracy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 29-year-old nurse, and I recently got accidentally pricked by a needle while treating a patient with an unknown HIV status. I have been anxious and noticed some fatigue and mild body aches since the incident. I took an HIV test right after, which was negative, but I am told there is a risk of delayed seroconversion. I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and take Levothyroxine daily. I am worried that my condition or medication could affect how my body reacts to the virus or the test results. Should I consider taking PEP now, and when should I get follow-up tests to be sure of my status?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

After potential HIV exposure, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be started within 72 hours to reduce the risk of infection. If too much time has passed, PEP may no longer be effective. Common PEP medications include Emtricitabine (Emtriva) and Tenofovir (Viread), often used together with Raltegravir (Isentress).

Follow-up testing with a fourth-generation human immunodeficiency virus test is recommended at four to six weeks, three months, and sometimes six months to confirm your status. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis( an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing inflammation and often leading to low thyroid hormone levels) and Levothyroxine do not affect the accuracy of HIV tests. Unusual fatigue and body aches may be due to stress, not HIV. Consult your doctor for further advice.

I hope you got an answer.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Thank you.