Q. Are my HIV tests, which were done after six weeks of possible exposure, reliable?

Hello doctor,

I am a 20 year old male. Recently, I have had a high-risk possible HIV exposure. Specifically, a receptive anal sex with a guy whom I do not know the status. After a week, I did feel fatigue, sore throat and after 4 to 5 weeks of the exposure, I think I have swollen lymph nodes. I can palpate several lymph nodes around my neck, which is not painful. But after another week, I have had painful jaw, which I think is due to a swollen lymph node. Also at that time, I have an erupting wisdom tooth, which I suspect the reason for it.

Almost six weeks after exposure, I had a rapid HIV antibody test in a clinic, which was non-reactive. I did have another test the next day a home test kit (finger prick tests), which was also negative. I am really worried now and feel very restless. I am also an OCD person. Therefore, this incident really affected my daily routine. Are my results after six weeks reliable?

Thank you doctor,

But, is rapid HIV antibody test reliable at six weeks? Is it possible to be positive after 12 weeks?

Hi doctor,

Thank you for replying. I am also taking various vitamins and antibiotics. Can it affect the window period of my test results?

Thank you doctor,

By the way, my last question is, after taking the 12 week test, am I really HIV negative or should I test again after six months? Because I had a high risk of HIV exposure, right?