Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 20-year-old male. Recently, I have had a high-risk possible HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) exposure. Specifically, receptive anal sex with a guy whom I do not know the status. After a week, I did feel fatigue and a 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 a painful jaw, which I think is due to a swollen lymph node. Also, at that time, I had an erupting wisdom tooth, which I suspected was 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 also have OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) person. Therefore, this incident really affected my daily routine. Are my results after six weeks reliable?
Kindly guide.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Your tests appear to be reliable. Just relax and get this test repeated at 12 weeks post-exposure for final surety.
Best wishes.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
But, is rapid HIV antibody test reliable at six weeks? Is it possible to be positive after 12 weeks?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The rapid HIV test can pick up antibodies in 93 to 96 % by six weeks, but 3 to 4 % of cases have delayed antibody formation, which surely occurs by 12 weeks. That is why I have asked for a 12-week post-exposure test to be absolutely certain.
Good luck.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for replying. I am also taking various vitamins and antibiotics. Can it affect the window period of my test results?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
No, it will not affect the HIV tests and the window period. Just relax.
Good luck.
Patient's Query
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?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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